Exploring Simple Machines

What are the six types of simple machines?

• lever, wheel, axle, spring, wedge, ramp

• gear, lever, wheel, axle, pulley, block

• lever, wheel, axle, pulley, inclined plane, chain

• lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, screw, wedge

Define mechanical advantage in your own words.

• Mechanical advantage is the distance a machine can travel in one cycle.

• Mechanical advantage refers to the total weight a machine can lift.

• Mechanical advantage is the speed ratio of a machine's moving parts.

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

What is the formula for calculating mechanical advantage in levers?

• MA = Length of Effort Arm / Length of Resistance Arm

• MA = Length of Load Arm / Length of Effort Arm

• MA = Length of Effort Arm + Length of Resistance Arm

• MA = Length of Resistance Arm / Length of Effort Arm

Name the three classes of levers and provide an example of each.

• 1st Class: Seesaw, 2nd Class: Wheelbarrow, 3rd Class: Tweezers

• 1st Class: Hammer, 2nd Class: Pliers, 3rd Class: Scissors

How does a lever work? Give an example.

• A lever is a type of pulley used to lift heavy objects.

• An example of a lever is a seesaw, where one person can lift another by pushing down on their end.

• A lever works by rotating around a fixed point called a fulcrum, but it has no practical examples.

• An example of a lever is a wheelbarrow, which does not use a lever mechanism.

What is an inclined plane and how does it help in lifting objects?

• An inclined plane is a simple machine that helps in lifting objects by allowing them to be moved upward along a sloped surface, reducing the amount of force required.

• An inclined plane is a vertical surface that requires more force to lift objects.

• An inclined plane is a complex machine that cannot assist in lifting objects.

• An inclined plane is a type of pulley that only works horizontally.

Describe a real-life example of an inclined plane.

• A flat road

• A staircase

• A slide in a playground

• A wheelchair ramp.

How does the angle of an inclined plane affect the effort needed to lift an object?

• The angle has no effect on the effort needed.

• Effort needed increases linearly with angle.

• A steeper angle always requires less effort.

• The effort needed decreases with a moderate increase in angle, but may increase if the angle becomes too steep.

What is a pulley and how does it function?

• A pulley is a wheel that helps lift heavy objects by changing the direction of force.

• A pulley is a type of engine that generates power.

• A pulley is a device that only moves objects horizontally.

• A pulley is a flat surface used for sliding objects.

Explain how pulleys can make lifting easier in everyday life.

• Pulleys make lifting easier by reducing the force needed to lift heavy objects and allowing for easier direction of force.

• Pulleys can only lift objects vertically without any mechanical advantage.

• Pulleys increase the weight of the objects being lifted.

• Pulleys are primarily used for transporting goods over long distances.