Numeracy/Mathematics Exam Instructions

Simple Machines: Ramps and Pulleys

• Ramps reduce the force needed to lift an object by spreading the lifting force over a longer distance, making it easier to lift heavy objects.
• The force required to lift an object straight up against gravity is equal to its weight.
• When using a ramp, the force exerted is resolved into two components: one perpendicular to the surface (not contributing to lifting) and one parallel to the surface (contributing to lifting).
• The parallel component is smaller than the object's weight, requiring less force to lift the object up the ramp.

Pulley Systems

• A pulley is a simple machine that consists of a wheel with a groove and a rope or belt that runs along the groove.
• Pulley systems reduce the force needed to lift an object by changing the direction of the force required or by distributing the force among multiple strands of rope.
• In a basic pulley system, one end of the rope is attached to a fixed point, while the other end is attached to the object to be lifted.
• When you pull down on the free end of the rope, the object moves up, making it easier to lift against gravity.
• Additional pulleys can reduce the force needed to lift an object by half, as the weight of the object is distributed equally among the strands of rope.

Factors Affecting Total Work Done

• Force applied: greater force exerted over a distance typically results in more work done.
• Distance moved: the greater the distance moved by the object in the direction of the force, the more work is done.
• Angle of application: in cases where force is applied at an angle to the direction of motion, only the component of the force in the direction of motion contributes to the work done.