General Science Midterms

machine

a device that makes work easier

simple machine

performs one basic function

compound machine

combination of two or more simple machines

lever

a rigid bar that pivots around a fixed point

fulcrum

a fixed point in a lever

pulley

a wheel and rope system that can change the direction

effort

the force we apply

load

resistance of the object as it moves or lifts something

inclined plane

lets you apply smaller force over a long distance, such as a rampwh

wheel and axle

works together to reduce resistance and transfer rotational motion

wedge

a sharp edge that concentrates an applied force onto a smaller area

mechanical advantage

compares output force with input force

output force

the force machines apply

input force

the force we apply to machines

screw

uses rotation to produce linear motion

force

a push or pull

motion

movement of a machine

hydraulic system

a power transmission system that uses pressurized liquid to generate force

Pascal’s Principle

pressure applied to a confined fluid

Archimede’s Principle

an object that is partially or completely submerged in fluid experiences an upward buoyant force

buoyant force

upward force exerted by a fluid on an object

atmospheric pressure

also known as “barometric” pressure, exerted on all surfaces by the aor

gauge pressure

the pressure of a fluid relative to the atmospheric pressure

absolute pressure

the pressure of a fluid relative to the zero pressure experienced in a vaccum

hydrostatic pressure

the pressure exerted by a static fluid as a result of the force

electric charges

one of the fundamental properties of matter

charging

creating an imbalance in its number of electrons and protons

electron

has negative charge

proton

has positive charge

neutron

has neutral charge