Motion, Simple Machines, and Mechanics Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering motion types, simple machines, torque, mechanical advantage, friction, tension, and compound machines based on the lecture material.

Translational Motion

Motion in which an object or all points on a rigid part move in the same direction with the same velocity, shifting position forward or vertically without changing orientation.

Rotational Motion

Motion in which an object or bar turns or spins around a fixed pivot or central axis.

Combined Motion

Motion involving both translational and rotational components simultaneously, such as a wheel rolling forward while turning about its axle.

Torque

The turning effect generated about a pivot, which is maximized when force is applied perpendicularly to the lever arm and farther from the pivot.

Screw

A simple machine that acts as an inclined plane wrapped helically around a cylinder, converting small rotational input into a large linear output force.

Wedge

A simple machine that converts forward translational effort into lateral splitting forces.

Class 1 Lever

A lever arrangement where the fulcrum (pivot) is located between the effort and the load, acting as a force multiplier when the effort arm is longer than the load arm.

Class 2 Lever

A lever arrangement where the load is positioned between the fulcrum and the effort force, such as in a wheelbarrow.

Class 3 Lever

A lever arrangement where the effort force is applied between the fulcrum and the load, sacrificing force multiplication for increased range and speed of movement.

Fixed Pulley

A pulley attached to a stationary support that changes the direction of the applied force with an ideal mechanical advantage of $MA = 1$.

Movable Pulley

A pulley directly attached to the load or harness that moves together with the load along a cable.

Compound Pulley System

A combination of fixed and movable pulleys that uses multiple supporting rope segments to distribute the load and multiply input force.

Mechanical Advantage ($MA$)

The mechanical ratio describing force multiplication in a machine; an $MA > 1$ trades input distance for reduced effort force, while an $MA < 1$ yields less output force in exchange for greater speed or range of motion.

Friction

A force between contact surfaces that provides necessary traction, but converts useful mechanical energy into thermal energy and reduces actual efficiency.

Tension

A pulling force transmitted through cables or ropes that maintains structural alignment and distributes loads across a structure.

Rotational Inertia

The resistance of a machine component to rotational acceleration, which increases with greater component mass.

Compound Machine

A machine consisting of two or more combined simple machines, whose overall efficiency is reduced as individual component efficiencies compound through the system.