Simple Machines: Levers Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements accurately describe types of simple machines?

Must be complex machines

Can be combined into a complex machine (correct)

Does work with only one movement (correct)

Requires multiple movements to function

What are the six types of simple machines?

Lever, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, screw, wedge

What is a lever?

A bar that is free to pivot or turn at a fixed point

What is a fulcrum?

The fixed point a lever can pivot or turn at Signup and view all the answers

The output force produced by a lever depends on ___________________________.

Length of the arms Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a 1st class lever?

The fulcrum is located between the input and output forces Signup and view all the answers

Give examples of a 1st class lever.

Scissors, crowbar, seesaw Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a 2nd class lever?

Effort and fulcrum are on opposite sides, load is between them Signup and view all the answers

Give examples of a 2nd class lever.

Wheelbarrow, bottle opener Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a 3rd class lever?

Effort is applied between the fulcrum and load Signup and view all the answers

Give examples of a 3rd class lever.

Baseball bat, tweezers, fishing pole Signup and view all the answers

What does FLEX stand for in levers?

Fulcrum in middle, load is in middle, effort in middle Signup and view all the answers

What is the Ideal Mechanical Advantage (IMA) of a lever?

IMA = Length of input arm / Length of output arm Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Simple Machines: Levers Overview

Simple machines perform work with one movement and can be combined for complex machines.
There are six types of simple machines: lever, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, screw, and wedge.

Lever Definition

A lever is a rigid bar free to rotate around a fixed point known as the fulcrum.
The output force produced by a lever is influenced by the lengths of its arms.

Fulcrum

The fulcrum is the pivot point of a lever, determining how the lever operates.

Types of Levers

1st Class Lever

Fulcrum is situated between input and output forces.
Examples include scissors (composed of two levers), crowbars, and seesaws.

2nd Class Lever

Effort and fulcrum are positioned at opposite ends, with the load in-between.
Common examples are wheelbarrows and bottle openers.

3rd Class Lever

The effort is applied between the fulcrum and the load.
Examples include baseball bats, tweezers, and fishing poles.

FLEX Mnemonic

F = Fulcrum in the middle
L = Load in the middle
E = Effort in the middle
X = Represents a fun aspect (not a component of levers)

Ideal Mechanical Advantage (IMA)

IMA formula: Length of input arm / Length of output arm.
Shortening the output arm increases mechanical advantage, making tasks easier.

Description

Test your knowledge about simple machines focusing on levers with these flashcards. Learn definitions and types of simple machines including their key components like the fulcrum. Perfect for students studying physics concepts related to mechanics.