Simple and Compound Machines Flashcards

A set of practice flashcards covering vocabulary, formulas, and concepts of simple and compound machines based on Grade 11 Physics lecture notes.

Work (Definition)

Occurs when a force moves an object.

Work (Equation)

$W = F \times d$ ( Work = Force \times Distance )

Simple Machine

A basic device that changes the amount or direction of a force needed to perform work.

Lever

A rigid bar that rotates around a fixed point called the fulcrum.

Fulcrum

The fixed point or pivot around which a lever rotates.

Load

The output force or resistance in a lever system.

Effort

The applied force in a lever system.

Torque (Equation)

$$Torque = Force \times Distance$$

First Class Lever

A lever arrangement where the fulcrum is situated between the load and the effort.

Second Class Lever

A lever arrangement where the load is situated between the effort and the fulcrum.

Third Class Lever

A lever arrangement where the effort is situated between the load and the fulcrum.

Law of Levers (Equation)

$$Effort \times Effort\,Arm = Load \times Load\,Arm$$

Inclined Plane

A slanted surface used to move objects upward with less force over a longer distance.

Steeper Slope

A characteristic of an inclined plane that results in more force being needed to move an object.

Wheel and Axle

A simple machine composed of a circular wheel directly connected to a circular shaft or axle.

Mechanical Advantage (Wheel and Axle)

Increases when the size of the wheel is larger.

Pulley

A grooved wheel with a rope or cable that can change both the amount and direction of the applied effort.

Screw

An inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder that converts rotational motion into forward motion.

Spiral Threads

Components of a screw that increase grip and reduce the force needed to hold objects together.

Wedge

A simple machine used to split or hold things apart by applying force to a large surface area.

Sharper Wedge

A variation of a wedge that requires less effort to perform the same amount of work.

Compound Machine

A machine made of two or more simple machines working together to perform complex tasks more efficiently.

Scissors (Composition)

A compound machine combining a lever (handles and pivot point) and a wedge (sharp blades).

Bicycle (Lever Function)

Uses pedals to amplify leg force to drive motion and brakes to apply force to stop the wheel.

Bicycle (Screw Function)

Uses bolts and connections to hold the various parts of the machine together.

Car (Components)

A compound machine combining wheel and axle (tires), levers (gears and pedals), and screws (bolts).

Can Opener (Components)

A tool combining a lever, wheel and axle, and wedge to open cans with less effort.

Direction of Force

One way machines help, such as a pulley system where pulling down on a rope lifts an object up.

Mechanical Advantage (Example)

The principle illustrated by a wheelbarrow when it is used to move heavy loads.

Distance vs Force

The principle of inclined planes where moving an object over a longer distance results in less force needed.