Simple Machines !! NEW !! Flashcards
FIRST CLASS Lever- Pliers
Pliers are an example of a First Class lever. Levers of the first class increase force and reverse direction. On one end you have the handle which is the Effort side (E), and on the opposite end you have the jaws or the Resistance side (R). The fulcrum is between these two points, closer to the jaws “Resistance end”. The Resistance Distance (RD) is from the end of the jaws back to the fulcrum. The Effort Distance (ED) is from the end of the handle back to the fulcrum.
Second Class Lever - Wheelbarrow
A wheelbarrow is an example of a Second Class lever. Levers of the second class multiply force, and their direction is always the same. The pivot point or fulcrum is located on one end at the wheel. The Effort (E) is located on the opposite end, with the Load or Resistance (R) located in between nearer to the fulcrum. The Resistance Distance (RD) begins at the load and ends at the fulcrum. The Effort Distance (ED) runs the entire length of this lever.
Third Class Lever - Fishing Rod
A fishing rod is an example of a Third Class lever. Levers of the third class multiply speed or distance rather than force. The fulcrum is located on one end at the handle and the load or Resistance (R) is located on the opposite end. The Effort (E) is located in between both near the fulcrum. The Resistance Distance (RD) runs the length of the pole and the Effort Distance (ED) runs from the effort point back to the fulcrum.
INCLINED PLANE - Ramp
An example of an inclined plane is a ramp. A ramp is shaped like a right triangle. The (RD) is the height, and the (ED) is the slope or hypotenuse. The (E) is the push or pull, and the (R) is the load.
An example of a wedge is a rubber door stop. The wedge is also shaped similar to a right triangle. The (ED) is adjacent side of the right angle. The (RD) is the height of the wedge under the resistance. The (R) moves along the slope or hypotenuse, and the (E) moves parallel with the slope.
SCREW - screw on a jack
An example of a screw is a screw on a jack. A screw is a combination of the inclied plane, the wedge, and the wheel and axle. It is used to transmit motion, apply tremendous force, hold parts together, and obtain measurements. The number of threads per inch or pitch is the (RD), the (ED) is the circumfrence of the handle used to apply force. The (E) is the force applied, and the (R) is the load.
