Mechancial Systems Flashcards
What is a machine?
A machine is a device that helps us do work.
Example: Lever.
What is a lever? Advantage? Disadvantage?
A lever is a rigid bar or plank that can rotate around a fixed point called a pivot or fulcrum. They are used to reduce a force.
- It is a simple machine.
Advantage:
- reduce force need to do a particular task.
- can move large load
Disadvantage:
- to list a large load, you must move a greater distance than the load moves.
Example: Teeter taughter.
What is an inclined plane? Advantage? Disadvantage?
An inclined plane is a simple machine that has a flat surface. It carries a load on an angle to another flat surface.
Advantage:
- makes it easier move a load higher than it is.
- makes it easier to lift heavy objects using a smaller force.
Disadvantage:
- to make it easier to move a load higher, you have to move over a much longer distance.
Example: Ramp.
What is a wedge? Advantage? Disadvantage?
A wedge is a simple machine that is forced into an object. It looks like an inclined plane.
Advantage:
- increases force applied to object.
Disadvantage:
-moves a greater distance into the object than it splits apart.
Example: Knife.
What is a screw? Advantage? Disadvantage?
A screw is a cylinder with a groove cut in a spiral on the outside. It helps increase the forces you use.
Advantage:
- helps you increase the force you use.
Disadvantage:
- moves objects in a straight line very slowly.
Example: Screw.
What is a pulley? Advantage? Disadvantage?
A pulley is a simple machine that uses a wire, rope, or cable moving on a grooved wheel. Pulleys help you lift larger loads than you could lift on your own.
Advantage:
- help you lift larger loads.
- can be moveable.
Example: Helps lift water.
What is a wheel and axle? Advantage? Disadvantage?
A wheel and axle is a simple machine that is a combination of two wheels of different diameters.
Advantage:
-powerful motion.
Disadvantage:
- longer the motion, the more power.
Example: Doorknob.
What are complex machines?
Complex machines are machines made up of several simple machines.
Example: Bike.
What is a system?
A system is a group of parts that work together to preform a function.
Example: Bike.
What is a subsystem?
A subsystem is a smaller group of parts within a complex machine that performs a specific function.
Example: Brakes.
What is a linkage?
A linkage is the part that transfers your energy from an energy source to an object. Usually a linkage is a chain or belt.
Example: Bike chain.
What is the transmission of a machine?
A transmission is special type of linkage that transfers the energy from the engine to the wheels in large vehicles.
Example: Transmission in a car.
What are gears?
Gears are a pair of wheels that link. The gears rotate together and this creates force. One gear wheel transfers turning motion and the force to the other.
Example: Gears on a bike.
What is the mechanical advantage of a machine?
The mechanical advantage of a machine is the amount of force a machine can multiply. You can calculate the mechanical by output / input. There is no measure beside the answer of a mechanical advantage.
Example: My car has an output force of 50N and an input force of 6N. I need to calculate the MA from this.
What is the input force of a machine?
The input force is the force applied to the machine.
Example: A man pushes a cart up a ramp. The man is the input force.
