Simple machines

Question 1

Ramps

Answer 1

F=mg(h/d)

h=height of ramp and d=length of hypotenuse

Question 2

Levers

Answer 2

F=mg(L1/L2);

L1 is distance to mass, L2 is distance to applied force

Question 3

Pulleys

Answer 3

F=mg/(# of vertical ropes directly lifting the mass)

• Increasing the number of pulleys decreases the tension in each segment of rope; this leads to an increase in the mechanical advantage
• Number of pulleys is directly proportional to length rope must be pulled for desired displacement

6 pulleys, rope must be pulled 6 times the length of the desired displacement

Question 4

Hydraulic Lifts

Answer 4

F=mg(h1/h2) or F=mg(A1/A2)

H1 and h2 refer to the distance travelled by the large and small plungers respectively

A1 and A2 refer to the area of large and small plunger respectively