Simple Machines Flashcards
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Simple Machines
One of the six basic types: Lever, Pulley, Wheel n Axle, Inclined Plane, Wedge, and Screw
Lever Family
Simple Lever, Pulley, Wheel and Axle
Inclined Plane Family
Simple Incline, Wedge, Screw
Lever Types
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Class
First Class Levers
Output Force, Fulcrum, Input Force. Ex: Pulling with a Claw-Hammer
2nd Class Levers
Fulcrum, Output Force, Input Force. Ex: Pushing a Wheelbarrow
3rd Class Levers
Fulcrum, Input Force, Output Force. Ex: Lifting a Weight
Pulleys
A different kind of lever, they are 1st Class Levers.
The middle is always a fulcrum. If the pulley is moving or you use multiple fulcrums, there is more mechanical advantage.
Wheel and Axle
Wheels are basically levers or pulleys connected to a shaft. When you turn the wheel the force is multiplied for a much stronger output.
Inclined Planes’ Function
Inclined planes multiply and redirect force. When you push up a ramp, the object is going in a direction parallel to it and the ramp redirects this force upwards.
Wedges
A wedge is a modified inclined plane. An axe is an example of a wedge; it goes into a piece of wood and redirects the force sideways so that the wood splits apart.
Screws
Screws are inclined planes wrapped around a cylinder. These gently sloping threads around the metal cylinder allow a small force to act over a large distance.
Compound Machines
A machine that combines two or more simple machines is called a compound machine. A scissor is an example of a compound machine, it uses two first-class levers connected by a common fulcrum.