Question

part 9 - mechanical comprehension
question 10 of 15
a steel wedge is placed next
to a heavy stone as shown.
when the worker strikes the
steel wedge, what will most
likely happen to the heavy
stone?
a the stone will stay
level and rise.
b only the left side of
the stone will rise.
c only the right side of
the stone will rise.
d the stone will stay
level and move to the
right.
click the button or type the letter next to your answer.

Explanation:

A steel wedge acts as an inclined plane. When struck, the wedge's force is distributed to lift the stone. The wedge is under the left side of the stone (from the diagram's perspective, the wedge is to the left of the stone). When the wedge is driven in, it will push the left side of the stone up, while the right side remains on the surface initially. So only the left side of the stone will rise. Option A is incorrect as the stone won't stay level while rising (the wedge is under one side). Option C is wrong because the wedge is on the left, not the right. Option D is incorrect as the wedge's action is to lift, not move the stone horizontally while staying level.

Answer:

B. Only the left side of the stone will rise.