Simple MachinesChapter 12 Section 3
1. There are six basic kinds of simple machines:
a. INCLINED PLANE d. LEVER
b. WEDGE e. WHEEL AND AXLE
c. SCREW f. PULLEY
Inclined plane Definition: Flat, sloped surface How it works: exert your input force over a
longer distance Mechanical Advantage: Ideal MA = Length
of incline/height of incline Example: ramp
Wedge Definition: A DEVICE THAT IS THICK AT
ONE END AND TAPERS TO A THIN EDGE AT THE OTHER END
How it works: YOU MOVE THE INCLINED PLANE ITSELF
Mechanical Advantage: LENGTH OF THE WEDGE/WIDTH OF THE WEDGE
Example: Ax
Screws Definition: AN INCLINED PLANE WRAPPED
AROUND A CYLINDER How it works: EXERT INPUT FORCE ON THE
SCREW AS YOU TWIST, THREADS INCREASE THE DISTANCE OF THE INPUT FORCE
Mechanical Advantage: LENGTH AROUND THE TREADS/LENGTH OF THE SCREW
Example: Screw
Levers Definition: RIGID BAR THAT IS FREE TO PIVOT,
OR ROTATE, ON A FIXED POINT How it works: EXERT INPUT FORCE, PIVOTS
ON FULCRUM, EXERTS OUTPUT FORCE Mechanical Advantage: DISTANCE FROM
FUCLCRUM TO INPUT FORCE/DISTANCE FROM FULCRUM TO OUTPUT FORCE
Example: Seesaw
Wheel and axle Definition: SIMPLE MACHINE MADE OF TWO
CIRCULAR OR CYLINDRICAL OBJECTS FASTENED TOGETHER THAT ROTATE ABOUT A COMMON AXIS
How it works: APPLY INPUT FORCE TO TURN THE WHEEL. AXLE ROTATES AND EXERTS A LARGE OUTPUT FORCE – INCREASES THE FORCE
Mechanical Advantage: RADIUS OF WHEEL/RADIUS OF AXLE
Example: screwdriver
Pulley Definition: A SIMPLE MACHINE MADE OF A
GROOVED WHEEL WITH A ROPE OR CABLE WRAPPED AROUND IT
How it works: PULLING ON ONE END OF A ROPE, INPUT FORCE- OUTPUT FORCE PULLS ON AN OBJECT ON THE OTHER END OF THE ROPE
Mechanical Advantage: NUMBER OF SECTIONS OF ROPE THAT SUPPORT THE OBJECT
Example: Flagpole
3. The three classes of levers differ in the positions of the FULCRUM, INPUT FORCE and OUTPUT FORCE.
4. First class levers: Change the direction of the INPUT FORCE.
a. Fulcrum is closer to output force, levers INCREASE force
b. Fulcrum is closer to the INPUT force, increase distance
c. Examples: SCISSORS PLIERS SEESAW
d. Draw 1st class lever p. 427. Label fulcrum, output force and input force
Output force Input Force Fulcrum
5. Second class lever: Increase force, but do not change the DIRECTION of the input force.e. Examples: DOORS NUTCRACKERS
BOTTLE OPENERSf. Draw 2nd class lever p. 427: Label Input force,
Output force and fulcrumINPUT FORCE OUTPUT FORCE FULCRUM
6. Third class levers: Increase DISTANCE but do not change the DIRECTION of the input force.
a. examples FISHING POLES SHOVELS BASEBALL BATS
b. Draw example with fulcrum, input force and output force
input force output force
fulcrum
7. Types of Pulleys: Draw an example of each in the margin
a. A FIXED pulley does not change the amount of force applied. It will change the DIRECTION of the force.
b. A movable pulley DECREASES the amount of input force needed. It does not change the DIRECTION of the force.
c. A block and TACKLE is a pulley system made up of FIXED and MOVABLE pulleys.
8. Most of the machines in your BODY are levers that consist of bone and muscles.
9. In your body, what is the Lever? TENDONS AND MUSCLE PULLING ON BONE Fulcrum? JOINT NEAR THE TENDON ATTACHED TO THE BONE Input force? MUCLES Output force? USED FOR DOING WORK, EX: LIFTING HAND
10. Where is the wedge in your body? INCISORS (TEETH)
11. What is a compound machine? A MACHINE THAT UTILIZES TWO OR MORE SIMPLE MACHINES
12. The ideal mechanical advantage of a compound machine is the PRODUCT of the individual ideal mechanical advantage of the SIMPLE machines that make it up.
13. What is an example of a compound machine? APPLE PEELER
14. What simple machines make up this machine? HANDLE – WHEEL AND AXLE; AXLE – SCREW THAT TURNS; WEDGE – PEELS THE SKIN; LEVER – HOLDS THE MACHINE IN PLACE (ENGAGES A SUCTION CUP)