Machines, Levers, and Moments Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering machines, different orders of levers, the calculation of moments, and the principle of equilibrium.

Machine

A device which converts energy from one form to another.

Lever

A simple machine which uses a pivot or a fulcrum to transfer the work done by the effort to a load.

1st Order Lever

A type of lever where the pivot is located between the load and the effort.

2nd Order Lever

A type of lever where the load is located between the pivot and the effort.

3rd Order Lever

A type of lever where the effort is located between the pivot and the load.

Principle of Moments

The principle stating that the force applied to the lever turns it about the pivot.

Moment of force

The product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the pivot: $\text{moment} = F \times d$.

Nm (Newton-metres)

The unit of measurement for moments, which are specifically NOT measured in Joules.

Methods to increase turning effect

Accomplished by either a) increasing the force applied or b) increasing the length of the tool (such as a spanner).

Equilibrium

The state when the sum of the anticlockwise moments is equal to the sum of the clockwise moments about the pivot.

Effort

The force applied at one point on a machine to overcome a force at another point.

Load

The force that is being overcome by the machine at a specific point.

Pivot (Fulcrum)

The fixed point about which a lever turns.