Simple Machines, Work, and Mechanical Advantage

Front

What is a simple machine?

Back

A simple machine is a device that changes the direction or magnitude of a force, making work easier. Examples include levers, pulleys, and inclined planes.

Front

What are the six types of simple machines?

Back

The six types of simple machines are: lever, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge, and screw.

Front

What is mechanical advantage?

Back

Mechanical advantage is the ratio of the output force produced by a machine to the input force applied to it. It measures how much a machine multiplies force.

Front

How does a pulley work?

Back

A pulley consists of a wheel on an axle or shaft that is designed to support movement and change the direction of force. It can be used to lift heavy objects.

Front

What is the formula for calculating mechanical advantage in a pulley system?

Back

Mechanical Advantage (MA) = Number of rope segments supporting the load.

Front

What is an inclined plane?

Back

An inclined plane is a flat surface that is tilted at an angle to help raise or lower objects, reducing the amount of force needed to lift them.

Front

What is a lever?

Back

A lever is a rigid bar that rotates around a fixed point called the fulcrum. It is used to lift or move loads with less effort.

Front

What are the three classes of levers?

Back

The three classes of levers are: 1st Class (fulcrum between effort and load), 2nd Class (load between effort and fulcrum), and 3rd Class (effort between load and fulcrum).

Front

What is friction and how does it affect machines?

Back

Friction is the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another. It causes energy loss in machines, making them less efficient.

Front

What is the efficiency of a machine?

Back

Efficiency is the ratio of useful work output to total work input, usually expressed as a percentage. It indicates how well a machine converts input energy into useful work.