Work, Simple Machines, and Mechanical Advantage

Front

What is work in physics?

Back

Work is defined as the product of force and the distance over which it acts, measured in joules (J).

Front

What is a simple machine?

Back

A simple machine is a device that changes the direction or magnitude of a force, making work easier. Examples include levers, pulleys, and inclined planes.

Front

What is mechanical advantage?

Back

Mechanical advantage is the ratio of the output force produced by a machine to the input force applied, indicating how much a machine multiplies force.

Front

What is a lever?

Back

A lever is a simple machine consisting of a rigid bar that pivots around a fixed point called the fulcrum, used to lift or move loads.

Front

What is a wedge?

Back

A wedge is a simple machine that consists of two inclined planes joined together, used to split or lift objects.

Front

What is an inclined plane?

Back

An inclined plane is a flat surface tilted at an angle to help raise or lower objects with less effort.

Front

What is a wheel and axle?

Back

A wheel and axle is a simple machine consisting of a larger wheel attached to a smaller axle, used to reduce friction and move loads more easily.

Front

How do you calculate mechanical advantage?

Back

Mechanical advantage (MA) can be calculated using the formula: MA = Output Force / Input Force.

Front

What is the mechanical advantage of a lever if a 1000 N force lifts a 10,000 N load?

Back

The mechanical advantage is 10.

Front

If Jeff weighs 150 pounds and lifts a 600-pound rock using a lever, what is the mechanical advantage?

Back

The mechanical advantage is 4.