Simply Machines Flashcards
What is a simple machine
Simple machines are a simple constructs designed to make tasks easier by either cha nging the direction of a force or reduce the force needed to do a task. If it decreases the force it in turn increase the distance of the force. For example, the less steep a ramp is the longer the distance it has to move but the less force required to move it up. And example of a change in direction is a pulley. For an example of a change in direction is a pulley. It changes a pulling forces directions from pulling down to moving something up, however it does not reduce the force needed to do so. There are also speed multipliers.
What is mechanical advantage
It is a way measuring how effiecent a simple machine is. This could be how much it muliplies a force or how much it reduces the force needed to do an actions.
What is the formula for calculating mechanical advantage
The formula for mechanical advantage (MA) is given by:
MA=FB divided by FA
where,
FB is the force of the object, and
FA is the effort to overcome the force of the object
What are the various types of simple machines
Inclined Planes
Lever
Wedge
Wheel and Axle
Pulley
Screw
What is an inclined plane
An inclined plane, in the context of simple machines, is a simple machine with no moving parts. It is an even sloping surface that makes it easier to move objects to higher or lower surfaces than if we lifted the objects directly upwards.
The inclined plane has a horizontal side (the distance from the lower end of the slope to the base of the vertical) and a vertical side (from the base up to the top of the sloped surface). The sloped surface is where the object is moved.
What is a Lever
A lever is a simple machine made of a rigid beam and a fulcrum12. The effort (input force) and load (output force) are applied to either end of the beam1. The fulcrum is the point on which the beam pivots1. When an effort is applied to one end of the lever, a load is applied at the other end of the lever1. Levers rely on torque for their operation1.
There are three classes of levers12:
First Class Lever: In this class, the fulcrum is located between the load and the effort12. When the fulcrum is closer to the load, then less effort is needed to move the load1. Examples of First Class Levers include seesaws, boat oars, and crowbars2.
Second Class Lever: In this class, the Load is between the Effort and the Fulcrum2. The mechanical advantage is more if the load is closer to the fulcrum2. An example of a Second Class Lever is a wheelbarrow2.
Third Class Lever: In this class, the Effort is between the Load and the Fulcrum2. The mechanical advantage is more if the effort is closer to the load2. An example of a Third Class Lever is a garden shovel2.
The mechanical advantage of a lever refers to how much a simple machine multiplies an applied force1. The location of the effort, load, and fulcrum will determine the type of lever and the amount of mechanical advantage the machine has1. The farther the effort is away from the fulcrum, the easier it is to move the load1.
What is a wedge
A wedge is one of the six classical simple machines1. It is a triangular shaped tool, often made of metal, wood, stone, or plastic2. It is thick on one end and tapers to a thin or sharp edge on the other end2. Technically, it is an inclined plane (or two inclined planes put together to form a triangle) that moves2.
A wedge can be used to separate two objects or portions of an object, lift up an object, or hold an object in place3. It functions by converting a force applied to its blunt end into forces perpendicular (normal) to its inclined surfaces3.
The mechanical advantage of a wedge is given by the ratio of the length of its slope to its width3. Although a short wedge with a wide angle may do a job faster, it requires more force than a long wedge with a narrow angle3.
What is a wheel and axle
A wheel and axle is a type of simple machine used to make tasks easier in terms of manipulating force by applying the concept of mechanical advantage1. It consists of a round disk, known as a wheel, with a rod through the centre of it, known as the axle1. Sometimes, there may be two wheels attached to both ends of the axle2. A wheel alone or an axle alone is not a simple machine. They need to be joined to be called a simple machine2.
The wheel and axle work in two ways2:
Force applied to wheel: For instance, in a screwdriver, if you apply a force to the wheel (the handle), the wheel spins and multiplies the effort to make the output force of the axle (shaft) greater2. A doorknob is another example of the wheel and axle2.
Force applied to axle: Consider a windmill. If you apply a force to the axle, it will multiply the force to the wheel (blades) and result in a greater distance covered2. It is because the wheel is larger than the axle and covers more area2. A ceiling fan works similarly2.
The wheel and axle are perfect for turning turbines and fans; They are also used in automobiles2. For example, when you turn the steering wheel of a car, your effort is multiplied by the axle and results in more turns of the car wheels2.
What is a pulley
A pulley is a simple machine that consists of a wheel with a groove along its edge, where a rope or cable can move12. It is used to change the direction of a force and to transmit mechanical energy2.
When a force is applied to a rope or cable passing over a pulley, the tension is transmitted across the pulley2. Pulleys can be used to reduce the time and energy taken to lift heavy objects3. When you put two or more wheels together and run a rope around them, you have created a great lifting machine3. As you add more pulleys, you increase your mechanical advantage, making it easier to lift the same load3. The trade-off is that as you increase the number of pulleys, you require a greater amount of rope to achieve the same result3. Since you have decreased the effort needed to lift the load, you have to apply the force for a longer period of time3.
Pulleys are common in many applications, from physics experiments to everyday machinery. They are used in various objects in the air (for example: a flag)4 and in lifting heavy loads in an effective manner4.
what is a screw
A screw is a simple machine that is essentially an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder12. It has a head at one end and a pointed tip at the other, with ridges (or threads) winding around the shaft1. The distance between these threads is called the pitch1.
Screws convert rotational motion to linear motion, and a torque (rotational force) to a linear force2. When the screw is rotated, it moves along its axis, either pulling or pushing an object together1. They can also be used to lift heavy items and tighten things1.
The mechanical advantage of a screw depends on the space between the threads and the length (and thickness) of the screw1. The closer the threads are, the greater the mechanical advantage. It is easier to drive a screw into an object if the thread spacing is smaller. It takes less effort but more turns. If the spaces between the threads are wider, it is harder to drill a screw into an object. It takes more effort but fewer turns1.
Examples of screws include bolts, screws, bottle tops, guitar tuners, light bulbs, faucet taps, and cork openers1. Other kinds of screws include bolts, nuts, and drill bits1. A bolt is a kind of screw but does not have a pointed tip1. A drill bit is a type of screw that can make holes in wood, plastic, metal, and stones when attached to an electric drill1.
