Simple machines; Lesson 1; The Advantage of Machines

Simple Machines

The six simple machines are; inclined plane, wedge, screw, lever, pulley, wheel-and-axle—as well as compound machines, which are combinations of two or more simple machines.

In this unit, we will learn about why engineers are fascinated with simple machines

Lesson 1; The advantage of machines

After this lesson, students should be able to:

• Recognize and identify the six simple machines.

• Define the concept of work.

• Explain why engineers are interested in simple machines.

WORK

According to engineering and science, work is the energy it takes to move an object.
Associated with this definition is a mathematical concept which will be used throughout this unit:

Work = [Force Applied] x [Distance the Object Moved]

Multiple Choice

What is one thing we want to accomplish whenever we have to do work?

• We want our work to be easier

• We want our work to be faster

• We want our work to be harder

• We want our work to be stronger

Multiple Choice

What drives people to invent (better) machines

• Finding ways to make work easier

• Finding ways to make more money

• Popularity

• All of the above

Multiple Choice

TRUE or FALSE; Machines allow us to do many things quicker or with less effort.

• TRUE
• Partially true
• Maybe
• FALSE

Multiple Choice

TRUE or FALSE; Machines enable us to do things that we otherwise would not be able to do.

• Partially true
• Maybe
• TRUE
• FALSE

Multiple Choice

Which of these are some inventions in our classroom?

Discuss; Think of one of these machines, do you have any ideas about what the inventor was thinking about when they designed it? How has the machine you thought of made an impact on you and society?

• Chalkboard
• Pencil sharpener, Light bulb, Whiteboard, Computer

• Abacus
• Typewriter

Multiple Choice

 Work done = Force x _________

• a. distance
• b. acceleration
• c. velocity
• d. speed

Multiple Choice

------ occurs when a force is applied to an object and the object is moved over a distance in the same direction in which the force is applied. 

• Energy
• Work 
• Force 
• Distance 

Multiple Choice

What is the unit used to measure work?

• Joule
• Watt
• Newton
• Pascal

Multiple Choice

When work is done, there is always a(n) _______.

• constant rate
• single movement involved
• transfer of energy
• increase in the mechanical advantage

Multiple Choice

What is the work done by the man?

• 0 J
• 65 J
• 6500 J
• 0.0065 J

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the best example of work being done?

• doing homework
• lifting a box
• pushing a stationary box
• holding a box

Multiple Choice

The equation for work is shown.  Work = Force x Distance
How much work is done when a person applies 25 newtons of force to move a box up a 20 meter long ramp?

• 5 joules
• 20 joules
• 45 joules
• 500 joules

Multiple Choice

What 2 things have to be happening for work to occur?

• A force must be applied in the opposite direction an object is moving
• a force must be applied to an object in the same direction an object is moving
• force must be applied and the object can not move
• the object moves, but no force is applied

Multiple Choice

The unit for Force

• Newton (N)
• Joule (J)
• Second (s)
• Watt (W)

Multiple Select

Two factors that determine work are

• force

• acceleration

• mass

• distance

• velocity

Multiple Choice

A machine can do more work than you put into it.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

A skier slides down an incline as shown. The work done by friction is:

• Positive

• Negative

• Zero

• All of the above

Multiple Choice

A skier slides down an incline as shown. The work done by gravity is:

• Positive

• Negative

• Zero

• All of the above ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Multiple Choice

A skier slides down an incline as shown. The work done by the normal force is:

• Positive

• Negative

• Zero

• Olive the above

Simple machines

Just as bricks are an essential part of a brick home, there are fundamental parts of machines as well. These fundamental parts are known as simple machines. Simple machines can exist on their own and are also sometimes hidden in the mechanical devices around you. There are six simple machines that can be found in many everyday items:

Multiple Choice

TRUE or FALSE; Simple machines can exist on their own and are also sometimes hidden in the mechanical devices around you

• Partially true
• Maybe
• TRUE
• FALSE

Simple machine 1

• Inclined Plane – An inclined plane is a ramp that reduces the force needed to move an object. Consequently, the object must travel a longer distance. Inclined planes were used by the Egyptians to build the pyramids.

Multiple Choice

What is this?

• a screw 
• a wedge
• an inclined plane

Multiple Choice

Which inclined plane requires the most effort to push the ball to the top?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following inclined planes would require the least amount of effort to lift a box?

• They all require the same amount of effort.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is TRUE?

• Ramps increase work

• Ramps make it harder to move things

• Ramps reduce the amount of effort

• Inclined planes are only found in buildings

Multiple Choice

What is a disadvantage of using an inclined plane to lift a heavy object?

• The object must be moved a greater distance.
• It takes less effort to move the object.
• Many objects are difficult to lift straight up.
• Heavy object usually take up more space.

Multiple Choice

Which has the longer distance - straight lift from the ground directly to the back of truck or using an inclined plane?

• Straight lift
• Inclined plane
• They are the same

Multiple Choice

How does using an inclined plane make lifting a load easier?

• it makes the mass levitate upward

• it increases the effort needed to lift a mass

• it decreases the effort needed to lift a mass

• it doesn't help

Multiple Choice

The greatest amount of force is required to move the metal block up which inclined plane?

• A
• B
• C
• D

Inclined Planes

An inclined plane, also known as a ramp, is a flat supporting surface tilted at an angle, with one end higher than the other, used as an aid for raising or lowering a load.^[

The advantage of an inclined Plane

The mechanical advantage increases as the slope of the incline decreases. The load will have to be moved a greater distance but it will require less force. Again, work in equals work out in an entirely efficient system

The advantage of an inclined Plane

The mechanical advantage increases as the slope of the incline decreases. The load will have to be moved a greater distance but it will require less force. Again, work in equals work out in an entirely efficient system

Multiple Select

What is the IMA of an inclined plane that is 5ft long and 2ft high?

• .4

• 2.5

• 10

• 25

Multiple Select

select all of the inclined planes

Multiple Select

Is a staircase an inclined plane?

• yes

• no

Multiple Select

is a road an inclined plane?

• yes

• no

Simple machine 2

• Screw – A screw is an inclined plane that is wrapped around a cylinder. Examples of screws include: fasteners that are used to attach wood or metal; lifting screws that are used to lift heavy objects and dig holes; and bolts that are used with nuts to keep things together.

Dropdown

On screws, the line formed by the inclined plane is called a ​

Select answer

.

Dropdown

A screw achieves similar goals to an ​

Select answer

in a smaller space.

Dropdown

A screw is a simple machine that reduces ​

Select answer

required to move an object over a ​

Select answer

distance or height.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT an example of an inclined plane in the form of a screw?

• auger

• bolt

• wood screw

• knife

Multiple Choice

What is another name for the thread on a screw?

• twisted inclined plane

• wedge

• spiral lever

• inclined plane

Simple machine 3

• Wedge – The wedge is two inclined planes put together. It can be used to split things apart, such as an ax, or to hold things, such as a doorstop.

Multiple Choice

What is this?

• a wedge
• an inclined plane
• a screw

Multiple Choice

What is this?

• a screw 
• a wedge
• an inclined plane

Multiple Choice

What simple machine is used here?

• a screw
• a wedge
• an inclined plane

Multiple Choice

Which wedge requires more input force?

• longer

• shorter

• they require the same input force

Multiple Choice

Which wedge uses the least input force?

• longer

• shorter

• they both use the same input force

Dropdown

The sharper the edge of the wedge, the ​

Select answer

effort force is needed to overcome ​the resistance.

Dropdown

The effort force is applied ​

Select answer

to the slope of an inclined plane, while the effort force is applied to the ​

Select answer

edge (height) of the wedge.

Dropdown

The zipper used on clothing has a slider that includes an upper triangular wedge for ​

Select answer

the zipper and two lower ​

Select answer

that close the teeth of the zipper.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT an example of a wedge?

• nail

• knife

• escalator

• ax

Match

Match the following

• inclined plane

• wedge

• nail

• ideal mechanical advantage

• double wedge

remains stationary

any object with at least 1 slanting side, ending in a sharp edge, which cuts material apart

example of a wedge

determined by dividing the length of the inline by the width of the wedge at its thickest point

two inclined planes back to back

• remains stationary

• any object with at least 1 slanting side, ending in a sharp edge, which cuts material apart

• example of a wedge

• determined by dividing the length of the inline by the width of the wedge at its thickest point

• two inclined planes back to back

Dropdown

Like the ramp, the ​

Select answer

spreads the force needed to move the load over a longer distance.

Simple machine 4

• Lever – A lever consists of a bar that rotates around a pivot point called the fulcrum. Levers make work easier by applying force over a longer distance. This means the same work is done with less applied force. Examples of levers included a seesaw and the human arm.

Multiple Choice

WHAT ARE THE 3 MAIN PARTS OF A LEVER?

• FOOT, EFFORT, REPORT
• FULCRUM, STRUCTURE, EFFORT
• FULCRUM, EFFORT, LOAD

Multiple Choice

Levers make work ________.

• Harder
• Easier
• Alright
• OK

Multiple Choice

A see saw is an example of a:

• 1st class lever
• 2nd class lever
• 3rd class lever

Multiple Choice

6. What kind of lever is this?

• First Class Lever
• Second Class Lever
• Third Class Lever

Multiple Choice

For a lever to be a first class lever the fulcrum needs to be ..

• between the load and the effort
• on one side and the load and effort on the other side 
• on the same side as the load arm. 

Multiple Choice

In second class lever, the load is between the fulcrum and _______.

• Load
• Effort
• Stone

Multiple Choice

1st and 2nd class levers are ____ while 3rd class levers are _____

• Force multipliers, speed multipliers
• Speed multipliers,force multipliers
• Force multipliers, force multipliers
• Speed multipliers, speed multipliers

Multiple Choice

A wheelbarrow is an example of a:

• 1st class lever
• 2nd class lever
• 3rd class lever

Multiple Choice

• 1st Class
• 2nd Class
• 3rd Class
• It is not a lever

Multiple Choice

The nutcracker is the example of .......................

• First Class of lever

• Second Class of lever

• Third Class of lever

• Fourth Class of lever

Multiple Choice

What is definition of the effort?

• The fixed point or pivot
• The point where the force is applied 
• The point where the weight/resistance is coming from

Simple machine 5

• Wheel-and-Axle – A wheel-and-axle is a wheel attached to a rod or stick. It works similarly to a lever, in that, considering movement about the circumference, the distance the wheel-circle moves is much greater than the distance the smaller axle-circle moves.

Multiple Choice

_________ is an example of a lever.

• Hammer
• Crowbar
• Wheelbarrow
• All of the above

Multiple Choice

What type of simple machine is this?

• wheel and axle
• gear
• lever
• inclined plane

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of a wheel and axle in the real world?

• ski slope

• wheels on a car

• seesaw

• kitchen table

Multiple Choice

Compared to the wheel, the axle travels ____ distance and experiences more _____

• Less, force

• Less, energy

• Force, energy

• More, work

Multiple Choice

In a wheel and axle, the wheel travels a longer ________ but takes ____ force

• Force, work

• Distance, more

• Energy, less

• Distance, less

Open Ended

What are some challenges in making a good wheel and axle?

Multiple Choice

A large wheel takes less force to turn than a small wheel

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

A large wheel travels less distance than a small wheel

• True

• False

Open Ended

What are some reasons you might choose soft, large wheels or tyres for a baby stroller?

Multiple Select

What are some examples of wheels and axles? select all that are correct

• Electrical fans

• revolving doors

• houses

• merry-go-rounds

• car tyres

Multiple Choice

The ______is considered one of the most important inventions in history.

• axle

• car

• wheel

• house

Multiple Select

What are two wheel and axles that help move people around? select two correct answers

• roller blades

• horses

• bicycles

• elephants

Multiple Choice

what wheel and axles help prepare FOOD?

• eggbeater and pencil sharpener

• spoons and forks

• rolling pins and eggbeaters

• knives and spoons

Multiple Select

What two wheel and axles are used everyday in the CLASSROOM? select TWO correct choices

• tables

• pencil sharpener

• doorknobs

• earbuds

Simple machine 6

• Pulley – A pulley is a wheel with a groove for a rope. When something is attached to the rope, it can be moved by pulling on the other end that has looped around the pulley.

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Multiple Choice

What does this image represent?

• A pulley

• A wedge

• A lever

• A wheel and axle

Multiple Choice

A pulley is an example of a:

• Simple Machine

• Book

• Science Tool

• Test Taking Strategy

Multiple Choice

Identify the type of pulley

• Pulley System

• Fixed

• Moveable

Multiple Choice

A load of 650 newtons is lifted with this pulley. What is the effort required to do this work?

• 300

• 325

• 600

• 650

Multiple Choice

An effort of 450 newtons is applied to this pulley. What is the force of the load that will be lifted?

• 450

• 600

• 750

• 900

Multiple Choice

What is the mechanical advantage of this pulley system?

• 4

• 6

• 8

• 10

Multiple Choice

What is the mechanical advantage of this pulley?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Note

Keep in mind that the amount of work needed to move an object a certain distance is always the same. Basically, that means that it will always take the same amount of work to move an object from point A to Point B no matter how you get it there. The simple machines do not change the total amount of work that you have to do, but they change how it feels to do that work.

Here again is the equation we will use to calculate work in this unit.

Work = Force x Distance