Pitsco Contraptions Activities and Simple Machines

Front

What is a lever?

Back

A lever is a simple machine that helps lift or move heavy objects using a fulcrum.

Front

What are the three classes of levers?

Back

1st Class, 2nd Class, and 3rd Class.

Front

What is a fulcrum?

Back

The fulcrum is the point on which a lever pivots.

Front

What is mechanical advantage (MA)?

Back

Mechanical advantage is the ratio of the output force to the input force in a machine.

Front

How does the position of the fulcrum affect a lever's mechanical advantage?

Back

The closer the fulcrum is to the load, the greater the mechanical advantage.

Front

What is an inclined plane?

Back

An inclined plane is a flat surface that is tilted at an angle to help lift objects.

Front

What is a pulley?

Back

A pulley is a simple machine that uses a wheel and a rope to lift heavy objects.

Front

What is a wedge?

Back

A wedge is a simple machine that is used to split or cut objects apart.

Front

How do you convert centimeters to meters?

Back

To convert centimeters to meters, divide the number of centimeters by 100.

Front

What is the formula for calculating mechanical advantage in levers?

Back

Mechanical Advantage (MA) = Length of Effort Arm / Length of Load Arm.