Simple Machines

Front

What is a simple machine?

Back

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

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 indicates how much a machine multiplies force.

Front

What is the formula for calculating the height a box can be lifted using an inclined plane?

Back

Height = Length of ramp / Mechanical Advantage.

Front

What are the three classes of levers?

Back

1st Class: Fulcrum between effort and load. 2nd Class: Load between fulcrum and effort. 3rd Class: Effort between fulcrum and load.

Front

What is the Ideal Mechanical Advantage (IMA) of a pulley system?

Back

IMA of a pulley system is equal to the number of rope segments supporting the load.

Front

How does a lever work?

Back

A lever works by using a fulcrum to balance the load and effort, allowing a smaller effort to lift a larger load.

Front

What is the purpose of a wedge?

Back

A wedge is a simple machine that converts a force applied to its blunt end into forces perpendicular to its inclined surfaces, effectively splitting or lifting objects.

Front

What is the difference between work and power?

Back

Work is the energy transferred when a force is applied over a distance. Power is the rate at which work is done.

Front

What is an example of a 1st class lever?

Back

A seesaw is an example of a 1st class lever, where the fulcrum is in the middle.

Front

What is an example of a 2nd class lever?

Back

A wheelbarrow is an example of a 2nd class lever, where the load is between the effort and the fulcrum.