Mechanical Systems Vocab

Front

Load:

Back

Mass of the object lifted by the lever.

Front

Lever

Back

A rigid bar or plank that can rotate around a fixed point.

Front

Fulcrum

Back

A fixed point

Front

Work:

Back

Done when a force acts on an object to move it; a transfer of energy.

Front

joule

Back

work unit

Front

Work input

Back

Work needed to operate the machine.

Front

Work output

Back

Work done by the machine on the object

Front

Efficiency

Back

Ratio of output to input in any system.

Front

Speed

Back

Rate of motion an object changes position.

Front

Subsystem: groups of parts in a machine performing specific functions (e.g., braking, steering)

Back

Within a machine are groups of parts that perform specific functions, such as braking or steering.