1

Preliminary (Combined State Engineering Services Exam UPPSC)

Preliminary for Combined State Engineering Services Exam which is qualifying in nature and
you are to score 40% marks in this paper consists of 150 questions to be solved in 120 minutes.
100 questions will be from 22 topics of Engineering Aptitude which are taken from numerous
subject backgrounds including that from ESE preliminary syllabus. The 100 questions of
Engineering Aptitude are to be covered in 80 minutes. This shows that the questions will be
one liner and will not be very lengthy but will certainly check your detailed subject knowledge.

Syllabus of UPPSC Combined State Engineering Services Exam just provides the topics and not
the detailed subtopics which can be asked in exam. Reference for these subtopics can be taken
from the previous year’s exams of ESE (2017-2024) of these topics as well as similar such other
exams from where these topics are taken.

Combined State Engineering Services

YourPedia is dedicated platform mentoring candidates for Engineering Services Exam (ESE)
preliminary paper-1 since its inception in 2017. In fact, ESE Paper-1 Preliminary was the first
flagship module by YourPedia to help candidates prepare well for the topics which they
normally don’t prepare in their curriculum.

UTTAR PRADESH PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, recently introduced preliminary for

prestigious combined State Engineering Service Exam to be held soon for various posts in state
government. This is one of best job opportunities for candidates belonging to UP and nearby
states who look forward to pursue good professional career in Govt Jobs as Assistant Engineer.
The 22 topics of Engineering aptitude are quite easy and can be very well revised if focus is on
the most important sub topics of each of the topic. YourPedia module for Engineering Aptitude
will certainly make preparation of these topics very easy and simple for the students.

2
 Engineering Aptitude
(100 Questions in 80 minutes)

Following are the 22 topics of Engineering Aptitude to be asked in Preliminary exam of

Combined State Engineering Services (UPPSC):

1. General principles of design and drawing

2. Engineering materials
3. Basics of thermodynamics
4. Water resources and conservation processes
5. Basics of project management
6. Industrial safety and safety standards
7. Information and communication technologies (ICT)
8. Basics of artificial intelligence and robotics
9. Types of machinery maintenance
10. Green Energy
11. Basics of measurement &instrumentation
12. Energy Conversion Principles
13. Disaster management
14. Ethics and values in engineering profession
15. Quality Control
16. Intellectual property rights
17. Human health and sanitation
18. Handling &storage of products
19. Climate change
20. Production &construction
21. Recent development in applied sciences
22. Role of Science &Technology in daily life

3
 Reference Questions from Engineering Aptitude
State Engineering Service Exam-Preliminary
(UPPSC)

“Energy Conversion Principles”

Best Module for UPPSC State Engineering Service Exam (Preliminary)

4
 SYLLABUS
(Energy Conversion Principles)

1. Fundamental Concepts

Forms of Energy:
• Kinetic energy (motion)
• Potential energy (position)
• Thermal energy (heat)
• Chemical energy
• Electrical energy
• Radiant energy (light)
• Nuclear energy
• Sound energy
Law of Conservation of Energy:
• Work and Energy:
• Work as the transfer of energy
• Relationship between work, force, and displacement

2. Energy Conversion Processes

Mechanical Energy Conversion:

➢ Potential energy to kinetic energy (e.g., falling objects)
➢ Kinetic energy to potential energy (e.g., a pendulum swinging)
Thermal Energy Conversion:
➢ Heat engines (converting heat into mechanical work)
➢ Refrigeration and air conditioning
Electrical Energy Conversion:
➢ Generators (converting mechanical energy into electrical energy)
➢ Motors (converting electrical energy into mechanical energy)
➢ Batteries (storing and releasing chemical energy as electrical energy)
Chemical Energy Conversion:
➢ Combustion (converting chemical energy into heat energy)
➢ Photosynthesis (converting light energy into chemical energy)
Nuclear Energy Conversion:
Nuclear fission and fusion (releasing nuclear energy)

5
3. Energy Efficiency and Conservation

Efficiency:
➢ The ratio of useful output energy to input energy.
➢ Factors that affect efficiency (friction, heat loss)
Conservation:
➢ Reducing energy consumption through various methods (e.g., energy-efficient appliances,
insulation, renewable energy sources)

4. Applications of Energy Conversion

Power Generation:
➢ Thermal power plants (coal, oil, natural gas)
➢ Hydroelectric power
➢ Nuclear power
➢ Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal)
Transportation:
➢ Internal combustion engines
➢ Electric vehicles
➢ Hybrid vehicles
Industrial Processes:
➢ Manufacturing, heating, cooling

6
 QUESTIONS

1. An electro-mechanical energy conversion device is one which converts _______

a) Electrical energy to mechanical energy only
b) Mechanical energy to electrical energy only
c) Electrical to mechanical and mechanical to electrical
d) None of the mentioned
Answer: c
Explanation: The operating principles of electrical to mechanical and mechanical to electrical
conversion devices are similar, hence, the common name electro-mechanical device.
However, their structural details differ depending on their function.

2. What is the coupling field used between the electrical and mechanical systems in energy
conversion devices?
a) Magnetic field
b) Electric field
c) Magnetic field or Electric field
d) None of the mentioned
Answer: c
Explanation: Either electric field or magnetic field can be used, however most commonly we
use magnetic field because of its greater energy storage capacity.

3. The energy storing capacity of magnetic field is about ________ times greater than that
of electric field.
a) 50,000
b) 25,000
c) 10,000
d) 40,000
Answer: b
Explanation: As the energy storage capacity of the magnetic field is higher, it is most
commonly used as coupling medium in electro-mechanical energy conversion devices.

4. The formula for energy stored in the mechanical system of linear motion type is ______
a) 1/2 Jwr2
b) 1/2 mv2
c) 1/2 mv
d) Jwr2
Answer: b
Explanation: Energy stored is kinetic energy, since the system is of linear motion.

7
5. In an electro-mechanical energy conversion device, which of the following statements are
correct regarding the coupling field?
(i) electrical side is associated with emf and current
(ii) electrical side is associated with torque and speed
(iii) mechanical side is associated with emf and current
(iv) mechanical side is associated with torque and speed

a) (i) & (ii)

b) (ii) & (iii)
c) (iii) & (iv)
d) (i) and (iv)
Answer: d
Explanation: The coupling field will be associated with the electrical quantities on electrical
side and vice versa.

6. A coupling magnetic field must react with which of the following statements?

(i) electrical system in order to extract energy from mechanical system

(ii) mechanical system in order to extract energy from mechanical system
(iii) electrical system in order to extract energy from electrical system
(iv) mechanical system in order to extract energy from electrical system
(v) electrical or mechanical system for electro-mechanical energy conversion

a) (i), (ii) & (iii)

b) (ii), (iii) & (v)
c) (ii), (iii) & (iv)
d) (ii), (iii) & (v)

Answer: b
Explanation: To convert electrical to mechanical, the coupling magnetic field must take energy
from input, the electrical system and vice versa.

8
7. The developed electromagnetic force and/or torque in electromechanical energy
conversion system, acts in such a direction that tends to ___________
a) increase the stored energy at constant mmf
b) decrease the stored energy at constant mmf
c) decrease the co-energy at constant mmf
d) increase the stored energy at constant flux

Answer: b

8. The developed electromagnetic force and/or torque in electromechanical energy

conversion systems, acts in a direction that tends to ___________
(i) increase the co-energy at constant flux
(ii) increase the co-energy at constant mmf
(iii) decrease the stored energy at constant mmf
(iv) decrease the stored energy at constant flux
Which of the above statements are correct?
a) (ii), (iv)
b) (i), (iii)
c) (ii), (iii)
d) (i), (iv)

Answer: a

9. A physical system of electromechanical energy conversion, consists of a stationary part

creating a magnetic field with electric energy input, and a moving part giving mechanical
energy output. If the movable part is kept fixed, the entire electrical energy input will be
a) stored in the magnetic field
b) stored in the electric field
c) divided equally between the magnetic and electric fields
d) zero
Answer: a

9
10. When was the first electric car invented?
a) 1830
b) 1985
c) 1832
d) 1945
Answer: c
Explanation: The first electric car was developed by Robert Anderson in 1832. It was the first
crude electric vehicle. Electric cars are the future of the automobile industry.

11. The moving coil instrument measures the ___________ of the signal.
a) Average value
b) R.M.S value
c) Zero value
d) Half value
Answer: b
Explanation: The moving coil instrument measures the R.M.S value of the signal. The moving
coil instrument can be used to measure the DC value.

12. Electric Vehicles are generally powered by __________

a) Aluminum batteries
b) Lead-acid batteries
c) Sodium batteries
d) Magnesium batteries
Answer: b
Explanation: Electric vehicles are generally powered by Lead-acid batteries. They consist of
lead electrodes with H2SO4 as an electrolyte.

13. Which of the following is NOT a primary energy source?

a) Coal
b) Natural Gas
c) Hydroelectricity
d) Uranium
Answer: c) Hydroelectricity
Explanation: Primary energy sources are those found in nature and have not undergone any
conversion processes. Hydroelectricity involves the conversion of potential energy (water
stored in a dam) into kinetic energy (flowing water) and then into electrical energy, making it
a secondary energy source.

10
14. What is the principle of energy conservation?
a) Energy can be created but not destroyed.
b) Energy can be destroyed but not created.
c) Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it can only be transformed from one form to
another.
d) Energy is continuously being created in the universe.
Answer: c) Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it can only be transformed from one
form to another.
Explanation: This is the fundamental principle of thermodynamics, stating that the total
energy in an isolated system remains constant. Energy can change forms (e.g., potential to
kinetic, chemical to electrical), but the total amount of energy remains the same.

15. What is the primary function of a heat engine?

a) To convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.
b) To convert chemical energy into electrical energy.
c) To convert heat energy into mechanical work.
d) To convert mechanical work into heat energy.
Answer: c) To convert heat energy into mechanical work.
Explanation: Heat engines operate on the principle of converting thermal energy (heat) into
mechanical work. Examples include internal combustion engines in vehicles and steam
turbines in power plants.

16. What is the efficiency of a heat engine?

a) The ratio of work output to heat input.
b) The ratio of heat input to work output.
c) The amount of heat rejected to the environment.
d) The total amount of energy input.
Answer: a) The ratio of work output to heat input.
Explanation: Efficiency of a heat engine is a measure of how effectively it converts heat energy
into useful work. It is calculated as the ratio of the work output to the heat input.

17. Which of the following is a common application of photovoltaic cells?

a) Generating electricity from sunlight.
b) Storing electrical energy in batteries.
c) Converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
d) Cooling electronic devices.
Answer: a) Generating electricity from sunlight.
Explanation: Photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells, directly convert sunlight into
electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect.

11
18. What is the main advantage of using renewable energy sources?
a) They are readily available in all regions.
b) They are environmentally friendly.
c) They are inexpensive to implement.
d) They require no maintenance.
Answer: b) They are environmentally friendly.
Explanation: Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro power, have minimal
or no greenhouse gas emissions, making them a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.

19. What is the primary function of a transformer?

a) To convert AC voltage to DC voltage.
b) To convert DC voltage to AC voltage.
c) To change the voltage level of an AC signal.
d) To amplify an electrical signal.
Answer: c) To change the voltage level of an AC signal.
Explanation: Transformers are used to increase (step-up) or decrease (step-down) the voltage
of an alternating current (AC) signal.

20. What is the principle of operation of a generator?

a) Electromagnetic induction.
b) Electrostatic induction.
c) Photoelectric effect.
d) Piezoelectric effect.
Answer: a) Electromagnetic induction.
Explanation: Generators operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where a
changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in a conductor, resulting in the
generation of electricity.

21. What is the main component of a fuel cell?

a) Battery
b) Electrolyte
c) Capacitor
d) Resistor
Answer: b) Electrolyte
Explanation: Fuel cells use an electrolyte to facilitate the electrochemical reaction between a
fuel (typically hydrogen) and an oxidant (typically oxygen), producing electricity.

12
 CONCEPTS (Related to QUESTIONS)

Fuel Cell

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel (often
hydrogen) and an oxidant (often oxygen) into electricity through a pair of redox reactions.

Components: Fuel cells typically consist of two electrodes (an anode and a cathode) separated
by an electrolyte.

Process:
• At the anode: Hydrogen gas is supplied and reacts, releasing electrons and forming
hydrogen ions (protons).
• At the cathode: Oxygen is supplied, and the electrons from the anode, along with the
protons that pass through the electrolyte, combine with oxygen to form water.
• Electron Flow: The electrons released at the anode travel through an external circuit,
generating electricity.

Key Characteristics:
• Continuous Power: As long as fuel and oxidant are supplied, fuel cells can continuously
produce electricity.
• High Efficiency: Fuel cells can be more efficient than traditional combustion engines in
converting chemical energy into electricity.
• Zero Emissions: In the case of hydrogen fuel cells, the primary byproduct is water
vapor, making them environmentally friendly.
• Versatility: Fuel cells can be used in various applications, from powering vehicles and
homes to providing backup power for critical infrastructure.
Types of Fuel Cells:
Different types of fuel cells exist, each with its own unique characteristics and applications.
Some common types include:

• Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells: Widely used in automotive

applications due to their fast startup times and high efficiency.
• Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs): Operate at high temperatures and can utilize various
fuels, including natural gas.
• Alkaline Fuel Cells: Used in space applications due to their high-power density.

13
Heat Engine & Efficiency

• Heat engine is a device that performs the conversion of heat energy to mechanical
work through cyclic process.
• The efficiency of a heat engine is defined as the ratio of work done by the heat engine
to heat absorbed per cycle.
• The efficiency of a heat engine relates how much useful work is output for a given
amount of heat energy input. In other words, a heat engine absorbs heat energy from
the high temperature heat source, converting part of it to useful work and giving off
the rest as waste heat to the cold temperature heat sink.

Q2 or QL is heat rejected where as Q1 or QH is heat supplied to the engine. Heat is supplied by

high temperature source where as heat is rejected to low temperature sink. Both source and
sink are infinite heat capacity bodies.

14
What is Transformer

• A transformer is a device that transfers electric energy from one alternating-current

circuit to one or more other circuits, either increasing (stepping up) or reducing
(stepping down) the voltage.
• A varying current in any coil of the transformer produces a varying magnetic flux in the
transformer's core, which induces a varying electromotive force (EMF) across any
other coils wound around the same core.
• Electrical energy can be transferred between separate coils without a metallic
(conductive) connection between the two circuits.
• Faraday's law of induction, discovered in 1831, describes the induced voltage effect in
any coil due to a changing magnetic flux encircled by the coil.
• Transformers are used to change AC voltage levels, such transformers being termed
step-up or step-down type to increase or decrease voltage level, respectively.

15
Electric Generator

• In electricity generation, a generator is a device that converts motion-based power

(potential and kinetic energy) or fuel-based power (chemical energy) into electric
power for use in an external circuit.
• Sources of mechanical energy include steam turbines, gas turbines, water turbines,
internal combustion engines, wind turbines and even hand cranks.
• The first electromagnetic generator, the Faraday disk, was invented in 1831 by British
scientist Michael Faraday. Generators provide nearly all the power for electrical grids.
• In addition to electricity- and motion-based designs, photovoltaic and fuel cell
powered generators use solar power and hydrogen-based fuels, respectively, to
generate electrical output.
• The reverse conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by an
electric motor, and motors and generators are very similar. Many motors can generate
electricity from mechanical energy.

Electromagnetic generators fall into one of two broad categories, dynamos and alternators.

• Dynamos generate pulsing direct current through the use of a commutator.

• Alternators generate alternating current.

Mechanically, a generator consists of a rotating part and a stationary part which together
form a magnetic circuit:

• Rotor: The rotating part of an electrical machine.

• Stator: The stationary part of an electrical machine, which surrounds the rotor.

Principle of Electric Generator

The principle behind an electric generator is electromagnetic induction, which states that a
change in the magnetic field around a conductor creates an electric current in the circuit:
• When a coil rotates in a magnetic field, a current is induced in the coil.
• The direction of the induced current is given by Fleming's right-hand rule.
An electric generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

16
Photovoltaic cell

• A photovoltaic (PV) cell is an energy harvesting technology, that converts solar energy
into useful electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect.
• There are several different types of PV cells which all use semiconductors to interact
with incoming photons from the Sun in order to generate an electric current.
• A photovoltaic cell is comprised of many layers of materials, each with a specific
purpose.
• The most important layer of a photovoltaic cell is the specially treated semiconductor
layer. It is comprised of two distinct layers (p-type and n-type), and is what actually
converts the Sun's energy into useful electricity through a process called the
photovoltaic effect.

• On either side of the semiconductor is a layer of conducting material which "collects"

the electricity produced. Note that the backside or shaded side of the cell can afford
to be completely covered in the conductor, whereas the front or illuminated side must
use the conductors sparingly to avoid blocking too much of the Sun's radiation from
reaching the semiconductor.
• The final layer which is applied only to the illuminated side of the cell is the anti-
reflection coating. Since all semiconductors are naturally reflective, reflection loss can
be significant.
• The solution is to use one or several layers of an anti-reflection coating (similar to those
used for eyeglasses and cameras) to reduce the amount of solar radiation that is
reflected off the surface of the cell

17
Photovoltaic Effect

• The photovoltaic effect is a process that generates voltage or electric current in a

photovoltaic cell when it is exposed to sunlight.
• These solar cells are composed of two different types of semiconductors—a p-type
and an n-type—that are joined together to create a p-n junction.
• By joining these two types of semiconductors, an electric field is formed in the region
of the junction as electrons move to the positive p-side and holes move to the negative
n-side.

• This field causes negatively charged particles to move in one direction and positively
charged particles in the other direction.
• Light is composed of photons, which are simply small bundles of electromagnetic
radiation or energy.
• When light of a suitable wavelength is incident on these cells, energy from the photon
is transferred to an electron of the semiconducting material, causing it to jump to a
higher energy state known as the conduction band.
• In their excited state in the conduction band, these electrons are free to move through
the material, and it is this motion of the electron that creates an electric current in the
cell.

18
19