310105b Equilibrium and Mechanical Advantage 2025 TF

Force

A push or pull acting upon an object.

Equilibrium

A state in which all forces acting on an object are balanced; ΣF = 0.

Torque

A measure of the force causing an object to rotate; τ = F•r.

Mechanical Advantage (MA)

The ratio of the output force to the input force; it describes how much a machine multiplies force.

Net Torque

The sum of all torques acting on an object; τnet = Στ.

Counter-Clockwise (CCW) Torque

Torque that causes a rotation in a counter-clockwise direction.

Clockwise (CW) Torque

Torque that causes a rotation in a clockwise direction.

Simple Machines

Devices that can change the direction or magnitude of a force.

Lever

A simple machine consisting of a rigid bar pivoted at a fixed point called the fulcrum.

Pulley

A simple machine consisting of a wheel over which a rope can run to lift a load.

Work

The energy transferred when a force is applied over a distance; W = F•d.

Fulcrum

The pivot point around which a lever rotates.

Load Distance

The distance over which the load is moved in a machine.

Effort Distance

The distance over which the effort force is applied in a machine.

Hydraulic System

A system that uses fluid pressure to multiply force or transmit energy.

Gear Ratio

The ratio of the diameters of two gears; used to determine mechanical advantage in gears.