Simple Machines and Mechanical Advantage

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to simple machines and mechanical advantage, aiding in understanding of the principles discussed in the lecture.

Simple Machines

Mechanisms that manipulate the magnitude of force and distance.

Mechanical Advantage (MA)

The ratio of the magnitude of the resistance force to the effort force, allowing designers to manipulate speed, distance, force, and function.

Inclined Plane

A flat surface set at an angle or incline, used to lift objects by pushing or pulling.

Actual Mechanical Advantage (AMA)

Inquiry-based calculation that considers frictional losses, calculating the ratio of force magnitudes between effort and resistance forces.

Ideal Mechanical Advantage (IMA)

Theory-based calculation that does not consider friction loss, focusing on the ratio of distances traveled by effort and resistance forces.

Wedge

Functions as a moving inclined plane, tapering to a thin edge for splitting or raising heavy bodies.

Screw

An inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder, used to convert rotary motion into linear motion and as a threaded fastener.

Work

The product of the force applied on an object and the distance the object travels parallel to that force.

Efficiency

The effectiveness of a machine, often expressed as a percentage of the work output to the work input.

Lever

A simple machine consisting of a beam pivoted at a fulcrum, used to amplify force.

Pulley

A simple machine that consists of a wheel with a grooved rim, used to change the direction of force applied to lift loads.