Simple Machines and Work

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basic definitions, principles, and formulas of simple machines, work, and mechanical advantage.

Machine

A device that makes it easier to do work by reducing the effort force required, changing the direction of a force, or changing the distance or speed through which a force acts.

Simple Machine

A machine with a basic mechanical structure used to make a task easier, consisting of six main types: lever, inclined plane, wedge, screw, wheel and axle, and pulley.

Work

The measure of energy transfer that occurs when a force causes an object to move through a displacement in the direction of the force, calculated as $W = Fd$, where $W$ is work in joules ($\text{J}$), $F$ is force in newtons ($\text{N}$), and $d$ is displacement in meters ($\text{m}$).

Ideal Machine

A theoretical machine that does not create energy or eliminate work, where input work equals output work ($W_{\text{input}} = W_{\text{output}}$).

Real Machine

A machine in which input work is greater than output work ($W_{\text{input}} > W_{\text{output}}$) because some energy is lost, mainly due to friction.

Force-distance Trade-off

The mechanical relationship provided by simple machines where a smaller effort force is generally applied through a greater distance to accomplish work.

Mechanical Advantage (MA)

A measurement of how much a machine multiplies the applied force, calculated as $MA = \frac{\text{Load}}{\text{Effort}}$.

Load (L)

The resistance force or force being moved by a machine, measured in newtons ($\text{N}$), calculated as $L = MA \times E$.

Effort (E)

The force applied to a machine, measured in newtons ($\text{N}$), calculated as $E = \frac{L}{MA}$.