Applied Science Questions

Key Takeaways

• General Science (GS): 16 questions, 8 minutes—quick recall of biology, chemistry, and physics facts.

• Electronics Information (EI): 16 questions, 8 minutes—Ohm's Law calculations and component identification.

• Mechanical Comprehension (MC): 16 questions, 20 minutes—problem-solving with machines and physics.

• Read questions carefully; many wrong answers are based on common misconceptions.

• Practice with diagrams—many MC and EI questions include visual elements.

Quick Answer: The three Science & Technical subtests have different time pressures: GS and EI give you 30 seconds per question (fast recall), while MC gives you 75 seconds (problem-solving). Know the common question types and practice with visual diagrams.

Subtest Comparison

General Science (GS) Question Types

Life Science Questions (≈50%)

Common topics tested:

• Cell structure and function
• Human body systems
• Ecology and food chains
• Genetics and heredity
• Classification of organisms

Example question types:

Physical Science Questions (≈50%)

Common topics tested:

• Atomic structure and periodic table
• States of matter
• Chemical reactions
• Force and motion
• Energy transformations

Example question types:

GS Test-Taking Tips

1. Speed is critical - 30 seconds per question means quick recall
2. Don't overthink - Change an answer only for a clear reason
3. Eliminate obviously wrong answers - Narrow to 2 choices
4. Review basic facts - Memorize key terms and definitions
5. Know your prefixes - "bio-" means life, "geo-" means earth, etc.

Electronics Information (EI) Question Types

Calculation Questions (≈40%)

Most calculation questions use Ohm's Law or power formulas.

Common calculations:

Example: "A circuit has 120V and draws 2A. What is the resistance?"

• Answer: R = V/I = 120/2 = 60Ω

Component Identification (≈30%)

Know these components:

Concept Questions (≈30%)

Common concepts:

• AC vs. DC differences
• Series vs. parallel behavior
• Conductor vs. insulator properties
• Grounding and safety
• Current flow direction

EI Test-Taking Tips

1. Memorize Ohm's Law triangle - Cover the variable you need
2. Know component symbols - Practice identifying schematic symbols
3. Remember series vs. parallel rules - They're opposite
4. AC is for outlets, DC is for batteries
5. Current flows from + to - (conventional flow)

Mechanical Comprehension (MC) Question Types

Machine/Device Questions (≈40%)

Common scenarios:

Example: "Which pulley system requires the least effort to lift a 100 lb weight?"

• Look for the system with the most supporting rope sections

Physics Application Questions (≈35%)

Common applications:

Visual/Diagram Questions (≈25%)

MC heavily uses diagrams. Practice analyzing:

• Lever diagrams (identify class, find MA)
• Gear arrangements (direction of rotation)
• Pulley systems (count rope sections)
• Force vectors (direction and magnitude)

MC Test-Taking Tips

1. Use your time - 75 seconds is more than other subtests
2. Draw diagrams - Use scratch paper to visualize
3. Label everything - Mark forces, directions, measurements
4. Check your units - Make sure calculations make sense
5. Think about trade-offs - More force = less distance, and vice versa

Common Mistakes to Avoid

GS Mistakes

EI Mistakes

MC Mistakes

Practice Strategy

GS Practice

• Use flashcards for terminology
• Review diagrams of body systems
• Practice periodic table questions

EI Practice

• Solve many Ohm's Law problems
• Study circuit diagrams
• Learn component symbols

MC Practice

• Work through lever and pulley problems
• Practice gear ratio calculations
• Analyze diagrams from multiple angles

Score Impact

These subtests contribute to important line scores:

High scores in GS, EI, and MC open doors to technical military jobs in electronics, mechanics, aviation, and engineering fields.