Simple Machines Whats the Difference??

Co-authors: Whitney Beem & Ann-Margaret Somers Subject/ Grade Level: 8th grade physical science The purpose of this lesson is to immerse students in the language of simple machines. Students will investigate the different uses and advantages of each type of simple machine; however, students will also find a common use of all machines, developing a working definition of work in general. Duration: Reading 1 class period (52 minutes) Compare/ Contrast and Sharing of Ideas 1 class period (52 minutes) Think-Tac-Toe 3 class periods (156 minutes) Georgia Performance Standard: S8P3. Students will investigate relationship between force, mass, and the motion of objects. c. Demonstrate the effect of simple machines (lever, inclined plane, pulley, wedge, screw, and wheel and axle) on work. FCS TAG Standard: Higher Order Critical Thinking Skills 2. The student responds to questions with supporting information that reflects in-depth knowledge of a topic. 3. The student conducts comparisons using criteria. 4. The student extrapolates verbal-linguistic and visual-spatial patterns to determine relationships. Summary/ Overview : The student will explore and analyze the different simple machines and how they relate to work. Enduring Understanding: Students will understand that simple machines are all around us; they reduce the effort to do work. Essential Question: How do machines help us do work in the real world? Activating Strategy: Kitchen utensils as machines - Show students some common utensils such as knives, forks, can openers, and nut crackers. Allow students to exam the utensils and discuss uses. Have student speculate how each machine makes work easier. Discuss the different simple machines that are identified in each compound machine, giving them a preview of the information they will be working with for todays lesson. Teaching Strategy: Assign each student one of the six simple machines (lever, pulley, wedge, inclined plane, wheel and axle, and screw). o Modification: If there is a class of mixed ability, assign the lower ability level students wedge, screw, or inclined plane. Advanced ability level can be assigned lever, pulley, and wheel and axle. If there are students who already know about simple machines, break the lever category down and assign 1st class, 2nd class, and 3rd class levers. Tell each student they must read both articles, but only the sections that pertain to their assigned simple machine

o Modification: For students, who struggle with reading, they can be paired with another student who is reading the same selection and they do popcorn reading in the hallway. As they read, students will fill out the graphic organizer for their simple machine. Once all students have finished reading and writing, the teacher will jigsaw students to form groups where each student is an expert on one simple machine, creating a group made up of all 6 simple machines. Students will take turns teaching each other about their specific simple machine, while the other students take notes on the graphic organizer. Once students have a completed graphic organizer, they must analyze the information to draw comparisons between the six simple machines, making sure to use the Top Hat graphic organizer to illustrate the comparison. o Modification: For advanced students, this should be an independent activity. For lower ability students, they may work in pairs. When the Top Hat is complete, the students may move onto the Simple Machine Think Tac Toe. Each student must complete 3 activities, to form a line horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. o Modification: For lower ability students, they may complete their Think Tac Toe with a partner. Summary: Each student will share one of their products to the class.

Simple Machines Compare and Contrast Use the handouts provided to learn about simple machines. You will be given specific tasks to do as a group and individual, so make sure you work hard and stay on task. Please do not work ahead! Everyone needs to work in order and if you finish before a group member, you may work on your simple machine vocabulary notecards. Remember to communicate effectively and positively! Happy learning!

You will be assigned one of the 6 simple machines below to analyze. You are required to read both articles, but only for your simple machine (if you are assigned the lever, then only read the lever section for both articles). Using the criteria provided, describe each simple machine in terms of how the machine works, how force and distance are related, how it makes work easier, and how the simple machine is used in the real world. Be prepared to teach your group members about your machine once everyone is done reading and taking notes.

Lever

Pulley

How the machine works

How force and distance are related

How it makes work easier

How it is used in the real worlrd

You will be assigned one of the 6 simple machines below to analyze. You are required to read both articles, but only for your simple machine (if you are assigned the lever, then only read the lever section for both articles). Using the criteria provided, describe each simple machine in terms of how the machine works, how force and distance are related, how it makes work easier, and how the simple machine is used in the real world. Be prepared to teach your group members about your machine once everyone is done reading and taking notes.

Incline Plane

Wheel and Axle

How the machine works

How force and distance are related

How it makes work easier

How it is used in the real worlrd

You will be assigned one of the 6 simple machines below to analyze. You are required to read both articles, but only for your simple machine (if you are assigned the lever, then only read the lever section for both articles). Using the criteria provided, describe each simple machine in terms of how the machine works, how force and distance are related, how it makes work easier, and how the simple machine is used in the real world. Be prepared to teach your group members about your machine once everyone is done reading and taking notes.

Wedge

Screw

How the machine works

How force and distance are related

How it makes work easier

How it is used in the real worlrd

Article 1:

Simple Machines

Give me a lever long enough, and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I will move the world. Aristotle

Definitions to know :
Work - done when an applied force causes an object to move in the direction of the force Energy - ability to cause change; can change the speed, direction, shape, or temperature of an object Load - the weight being lifted by the simple machine. Also called resistance , resistance load , load force , resistance force , output force Effort - effort is the force placed on the simple machine to move the load. Also called applied force , effort force or input force Mechanical Advantage - the advantage created by a machine that enables people to do work while using less force

What are simple machines?

Simple machines are tools that make work easier They have few or no moving parts These machines use energy to work Do work with one movement Make our work easier by letting us use less mechanical effort to move an object Simple machines make work easier for us by allowing us to push or pull over increased distances Use the idea of spreading force over distance: if you push further , you can use less force You are doing the same amount of work - it just seems easier You move an object a greater distance to accomplish the same amount of work. There's a trade-off of energy when using simple machines. Simple machines give us an advantage by changing the amount, speed, or direction of forces They allow us to use a smaller force to overcome a larger force The amount of effort saved when using machines is called mechanical advantage or MA

What are Compound or Complex Machines?

. Two or more simple machines working together . Most of the machines we use today are compound machines

Types of Simple Machines

. Two groups: Inclined planes o Ramp o Wedge o Screw Levers o Lever

o o

Wheel & Axle Pulley

Ramp or Inclined Plane

Both terms are used A flat surface that is higher on one end - slanting surface connecting a lower level to a higher level. You can use this machine to move an object to a lower or higher place. Inclined planes make the work of moving things easier - allows us to raise an object with less effort than if we lifted it directly upward. You would need less energy and force to move objects with an inclined plane. Trade-off : The way an inclined plane works is that to save effort, you must move things a greater distance o The longer the distance of the ramp, the easier it is to do the work o It will take a much longer time to do the work o The shallower the ramp, the easier it is to move the object o The trade-off is that you must move the object farther to lift it to the same height

Examples of Inclined Planes : Ramp Slanted Road Path up a Hill Slide

Wedge
A wedge is a simple machine used to push two objects apart A wedge is usually made up of two inclined planes These planes meet and form a sharp edge. This edge can split or push objects apart A wedge is an inclined plane which moves A wedge can also be used as a lifting device, by forcing it under an object Most wedges (but not all) are combinations of two inclined planes. Can also be round, like the tip of a nail The narrower the wedge (or the sharper the point of a wedge), the easier it is drive it in and push things apart Trade-off : To split something apart really wide, you have to push the wedge a long distance. Generally it can be anything that splits, cuts, or divides another object including air and water

Examples of Wedges : Knife Axe Teeth Forks

Nails

Screw
An inclined plane that winds around itself A wedge at the tip A screw has ridges and is not smooth like a nail Some screws are used to lower and raise things They are also used to hold objects together A screw is like the ramp -the width of the thread is like the angle of an inclined plane The wider the thread of a screw, the harder it is to turn it. Trade-off : The distance between the threads depends on the slope of the inclined plane - the steeper the slope, the wider the thread Screws with less distance between the threads are easier to turn

Examples of Screws : Jar Lids Light Bulbs Stools Clamps Jacks Wrenches Spiral Staircase

Lever
A lever is a board or bar that rests on a turning point This turning point is called the fulcrum An object that a lever moves is called the load The load is a force or object which must be overcome by the lever The applied force or effort or input force is the force you use to move the lever Lifts or moves loads By changing the position of the fulcrum, you can gain extra power with less effort The closer the object is to the fulcrum, the easier it is to move Most common simple machine because just about anything that has a handle on it has a lever attached The arm length of the lever is determined by the position of the fulcrum Used to transfer force It can be used to increase the force that is applied, or make something move in a different direction, or through a greater distance It can be used to lift something that is far away It is the same principle as the inclined plane - the greater the distance over which the force must be applied, the smaller the force required to do the work (lift the load) Force moves over a longer distance Depending on where the fulcrum is located o . A lever can multiply either the force applied or o . The distance over which the force is applied

Three types of levers:

1 st class 2 nd class 3 rd class

1 st Class Levers

Fulcrum in the center - between load & effort The lever changes the direction of force The fulcrum is placed close to the load , and this will let you move the load with just a small applied force (effort) This type of lever system gives you a mechanical advantage , which means that the force you apply gets multiplied , so you can put a large force on the load. The trade-off of using a lever like this is that you have to apply a force over a large distance , and the load itself will move only a short distance The fulcrum is between the load and where you apply the force (effort) This lever system has no mechanical advantage. Whatever force is necessary to move the load is the force you must apply This type of lever system takes advantage of another property of some levers: they reverse the direction of the force You can push in one direction, and the load moves the other way The fulcrum is nearer the applied force (effort) Much more force than the force of the load itself must be applied If you're lifting something, it will require much more force than would be needed if you were to just lift the load by yourself - this type lever system makes the work harder !! This type of lever system usually uses a motor to lift the load The load is far away , and it moves a long distance We get a small movement where we applied the force

Examples of 1 st Class Levers: See-saw Scissors Pliers

2 nd Class Levers

The load is in the center - between the fulcrum and the applied force or effort Causes the load to move in the same direction as the force you apply When the load is nearer to the fulcrum, the effort needed to lift the load will be less If you want to move a very large load with a small effort, you must put the load very close to the fulcrum

Examples of 2 nd Class Levers: Wheelbarrow Nutcracker

3 rd Class Levers

The applied force or effort is in the center - between the load and fulcrum This lever system does not give any mechanical advantage No matter where you apply the force, the force you apply must always be greater than the force of a load No matter how close or how far the load is from the fulcrum, the effort used to lift the load, has to be greater than the load! The load moves in the same direction as the force you apply A motor is usually used with this lever system to lift loads at a distance Speeds up movement

Examples of Third Class Levers: Your bent arm Fishing rod

Wheel & Axle

A wheel with a rod, called an axle, through its center lifts or moves loads The axle is a rod that goes through the wheel This lets the wheel turn The wheel & axle can be used as a tool to multiply the force you apply Or to multiply the distance traveled A lever that is able to rotate through a complete circle (360 ) The circle turned by the wheel is much larger than the circle turned by the axle. The increased distance over which the force is applied as the wheel turns results in a more powerful force on the axle, which moves a shorter distance Trade-off-: The larger the diameter of the wheel, the less effort you need to turn it, but you have to move the wheel a greater distance to get the same work done.

Examples of Wheels and Axles: . Cars . Roller skates . Door knobs . Gears

Pulleys
Instead of an axle, the wheel could also rotate a rope or cord. This variation of the wheel and axle is the pulley In a pulley, a cord wraps around a wheel As the wheel rotates, the cord moves in either direction When a hook is attached to the rope you can use the wheel's rotation to raise and lower objects. The rope fits on the groove of the wheel One part of the rope is attached to the load When you pull on one side of the pulley, the wheel turns and the load will move Pulleys let you move loads up, down, or sideways Pulleys are good for moving objects to hard to reach places A pulley makes work seem easier because it changes the direction of motion to work with gravity

A pulley saves the most effort when you have more than one pulley working together Trade-off - as you increase the number of pulleys, you also increase the distance you have to pull the rope In other words, if you use two pulleys, it takes half the effort to lift something, but you have to pull the rope twice as far Three pulleys will result in one-third the effort - but the distance you have to pull the rope is tripled!

Types of Pulleys: Fixed pulleys Movable pulleys Single Pulleys Combination pulleys

Single Pulleys
A single pulley reverses the direction of a force With one pulley, the force you must pull with is the same as the weight of the object . In order to raise the object a height of 1 meter, you must pull the rope 1 meter Trade-off : the end of the rope must move a greater distance than the load

Combination Pulley
Two or more pulleys connected together Allow a heavy load to be lifted with less force Effort needed to lift the load is less than half the weight of the load The main advantage of this pulley is that the amount of effort is less than half of the load Trade-off - you need more rope and you need to pull more rope

Fixed Pulleys

May be single or combination Doesn't change position Makes work easier by changing the direction of the applied force The force required to lift the load remains the same as lifting it without the pulley But it is much easier it is to raise a flag from the ground, instead of climbing up the pole If a force needs to be applied around a corner, a pulley allows us to overcome friction The only pulley that when used individually, uses more effort than the load to lift the load from the ground The fixed pulley is attached to an unmovable object like a ceiling or wall Acts like a first class lever with the fulcrum being located at the axis

The bar or lever arm becomes a rope The advantage of the fixed pulley is that you do not have to pull or push the pulley up and down. The trade-off is that you have to apply more effort than the load

Movable Pulleys

May be single or combination A pulley that moves with the load ( both the load and the pulley move) The load moves in the same direction as the applied force The movable pulley allows the effort to be less than the weight of the load It takes less force to raise an object than if you used only your hands The amount of force required depends on the number of supporting ropes The greater the number of pulleys and supporting ropes, the smaller the force required. Trade-off : the less force required, the greater the distance the rope must be pulled further than the load actually moves The movable pulley acts as a second class lever The load is between the fulcrum and the effort The main advantage of a movable pulley is that you use less effort to pull the load

Examples of Pulleys: Flag Poles Sailboat Blinds Crane

Article 2:
Machines, Simple UXL Encyclopedia of Science | 2002 | Copyright Machines, simple A simple machine is a device for doing work that has only one part. Simple machines redirect or change the size of forces, allowing people to do work with less muscle effort and greater speed, thus making their work easier. There are six kinds of simple machines: the lever, the pulley, the wheel and axle, the inclined plane, the wedge, and the screw. Everyday work We all do work in our daily lives and we all use simple machines every day. Work as defined by science is force acting upon an object in order to move it across a distance. So scientifically, whenever we push, pull, or cause something to move by using a force, we are performing work. A machine is basically a tool used to make this work easier, and a simple machine is among the simplest tools we can use. Therefore, from a scientific standpoint, we are doing work when we open a can of paint with a screwdriver, use a spade to pull out weeds, slide boxes down a ramp, or go up and down on a see-saw. In each of these examples we are using a simple machine that allows us to achieve our goal with less muscle effort or in a shorter amount of time. Earliest simple machines This idea of doing something in a better or easier way or of using less of our own muscle power has always been a goal of humans. Probably from the beginning of human history, anyone who ever had a job to do would eventually look for a way to do it better, quicker, and easier. Most people try to make a physical job easier rather than harder to do. In fact, one of our human predecessors is called Homo habilis, which means "handy man" or "capable man." This early version of our human ancestors was given that name because, although not quite fully human, it had a large enough brain to understand the idea of a tool, as well as hands with fingers and thumbs that were capable of making and using a tool. Therefore, the first simple machine was probably a strong stick (the lever) that our ancestor used to move a heavy object, or perhaps it was a sharp rock (the wedge) used to scrape an animal skin, or something else equally simple but effective. Other early examples might be a rolling log, which is a primitive form of the wheel and axle, and a sloping hill, which is a natural inclined plane. There is evidence throughout all early civilizations that humans used simple machines to satisfy their needs and to modify their environment. Words to Know Compound machine: A machine consisting of two or more simple machines. Effort force: The force applied to a machine. Fulcrum: The point or support on which a lever turns. Resistance force: The force exerted by a machine. Work: Transfer of energy by a force acting to move matter.

The beauty of simple machines is seen in the way they are used as extensions of our own muscles, as well as in how they can redirect or magnify the strength and force of an individual. They do this by increasing the efficiency of our work, as well as by what is called a mechanical advantage. A mechanical advantage occurs when a simple machine takes a small "input" force (our own muscle power) and increases the magnitude of the "output" force. A good example of this is when a person uses a small input force on a jack handle and produces an output force large enough to easily lift one end of an automobile. The efficiency and advantage produced by such a simple device can be amazing, and it was with such simple machines that the rock statues of Easter Island, the stone pillars of Stonehenge, and the Great Pyramids of

Egypt were constructed. Some

of the known accomplishments of these early users of simple machines are truly amazing. For example, we have evidence that the builders of the pyramids moved limestone blocks weighing between 2 and 70 tons (1.8 and 63.5 metric tons) hundreds of miles, and that they built ramps over 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) long. Trade-offs of simple machines One of the keys to understanding how a simple machine makes things easier is to realize that the amount of work a machine can do is equal to the force used, multiplied by the distance that the machine moves or lifts the object. In other words, we can multiply the force we are able to exert if we increase the distance. For example, the longer the inclined plane which is basically a rampthe smaller the force needed to move an object. Picture having to lift a heavy box straight up off the ground and place it on a high self. If the box is too heavy for us to pick up, we can build a ramp (an inclined plane) and push it up. Common sense tells us that the steeper (or shorter) the ramp, the harder it is to push the object to the top. Yet the longer (and less steep) it is, the easier it is to move the box, little by little. Therefore, if we are not in a hurry (like the pyramid builders), we can take our time and push it slowly up the long ramp to the top of the shelf. Understanding this allows us also to understand that simple machines involve what is called a "trade-off." The trade-off, or the something that is given up in order to get something else, is the increase in distance. So although we have to use less force to move a heavy object up a ramp, we have increased the distance we have to move it (because a ramp is not the shortest distance between two points). Most primitive people were happy to make this trade-off since it often meant being able to move something that they otherwise could not have moved. Today, most machines are complicated and use several different elements like ball bearings or gears to do their work. However, when we look at them closely and understand their parts, we usually see that despite their complexity they are basically just two or more simple machines working together. These are called compound machines. Although some people say that there are less than six simple machines (since a wedge can be considered an inclined plane that is moving, or a pulley is a lever that rotates around a fixed point), most authorities agree that there are in fact six types of simple machines. Lever A lever is a stiff bar or rod that rests on a support called a fulcrum (pronounced FULL-krum) and which lifts or moves something. This may be one of the earliest simple machines, because any large, strong stick would have worked as a lever. Pick up a stick, wedge it under one edge of a rock, and push down and you have used a lever. Downward motion on one end results in upward motion on the other. Anything that pries something loose is also a lever, such as a crow bar or the claw end of a hammer. There are three types or classes of levers. A first-class lever has the fulcrum or pivot point located near the middle of the tool and what it is moving (called the resistance force). A pair of scissors and a seesaw are good examples. A second-class lever has the resistance force located between the fulcrum and the end of the lever where the effort force is being made. Typical examples of this are a wheelbarrow, nutcracker, and a bottle opener. A third-class lever has the effort force being applied between the fulcrum and the resistance force. Tweezers, ice tongs, and shovels are good examples. When you use a shovel, you hold one end steady to act as a fulcrum, and you use your other hand to pull up on a load of dirt. The second hand is the effort force, and the dirt being picked up is

the resistance force. The effort applied by your second hand lies between the resistance force (dirt) and the fulcrum (your first hand). Pulley A pulley consists of a grooved wheel that turns freely in a frame called a block through which a rope runs. In some ways, it is a variation of a wheel and axle, but instead of rotating an axle, the wheel rotates a rope or cord. In its simplest form, a pulley's grooved wheel is attached to some immovable object, like a ceiling or a beam. When a person pulls down on one end of the rope, an object at the opposite end is raised. A simple pulley gains nothing in force, speed, or distance. Instead, it only changes the direction of the force, as with a Venetian blind (up or down). Pulley systems can be movable and very complex, using two or more connected pulleys. This permits a heavy load to be lifted with less force, although over a longer distance. Wheel and axle The wheel and axle is actually a variation of the lever (since the center of the axle acts as the fulcrum). It may have been used as early as 3000 b.c., and like the lever, it is a very important simple machine. However, unlike the lever that can be rotated to pry an object loose or push a load along, a wheel and axle can move a load much farther. Since it consists of a large wheel rigidly attached to a small wheel (the axle or the shaft), when one part turns the other also does. Some examples of the wheel and axle are a door knob, a water wheel, an egg beater, and the wheels on a wagon, car, or bicycle. When force is applied to the wheel (thereby turning the axle), force is increased and distance and speed are decreased. When it is applied to the axle (turning the wheel), force is decreased and distance and speed are increased. Inclined plane An inclined plane is simply a sloping surface. It is used to make it easier to move a weight from a lower to a higher spot. It takes much less effort to push a wheel barrow load slowly up a gently sloping ramp than it does to pick it up and lift it to a higher spot. The trade-off is that the load must be moved a greater distance. Everyday examples are stairs, escalators, ladders, and a ship's plank. Wedge A wedge is an inclined plane that moves and is used to increase force either to separate something or to hold things together. With a wedge, the object or material remains in place while the wedge moves. A wedge can have a single sloping surface (like a door stop that holds a door tightly in place), or it can have two sloping surfaces or sides (like the wedge that splits a log in two). An axe or knife blade is a wedge, as is a chisel, plow, and even a nail. Screw A screw can be considered yet another form of an inclined plane, since it can be thought of as one that is wrapped in a spiral around a cylinder or post. In everyday life, screws are used to hold things together and to lift other things. When it is turned, a screw converts rotary (circular) motion into a forward or backward motion. Every screw has two parts: a body or post around which the inclined plane is twisted, and the thread (the spiraled inclined plane itself). Every screw has a thread, and if you look very closely at it, you will see that the threads form a tiny "ramp" that runs from the tip to the top. Like nails, screws are used to hold things together, while a drill bit is used to make holes. Other examples of screws are airplane and boat propellers.

Compare/Contrast
Using the attached graphic organizer, discuss with your group your simple machine by comparing and contrasting the similarities and differences based on the guidelines from the graphic organizer: of how the machine works, how force and distance are related, how it makes work easier, and how the simple machine is used in the real world. Make sure to take notes on the graphic organizer for each machine.

COMPARE

Simple Machines

CONTRAST

Pulley

Lever

Wheel & Axle

Inclined Plane

Wedge

Screw

Simple Machines: Compare and Contrast Synthesis Activities

Think-Tac-Toe In order to extend your learning simple machines, complete the tic-tac-toe by choosing up to 3 activities. Your combination of choices must add up for a total of 3 points. You may chose 1 additional activity for extra credit, once you have already completed your 3 points. Create a short story about the topic of your choosing. Place your characters in scenarios in which they must use simple machines to solve problems within the context of your story. All six simple machines must be addressed. 2 Teachers use educational posters in their classrooms. Create a set of educational posters that summarize the structure and uses of each simple machine. Posters must be specific, concise, informative, and attractive. You may either use poster paper or use Glogster.com to create your posters. 3 Complete simple machines WebQuest. Organize the information you collect from the WebQuest into a formal summary of your lab interactions. Go on a scavenger hunt around the school and take pictures of simple machines being used all around us. Create a Photo Story about your journey around the school and how the HMS community uses simple machines on a daily basis. 1

3 Wild Card Create your own activity to extend your learning of simple machines make work easier. You must complete a learning contract and have it approved by the teacher before beginning the activity.

Use your body to act out each of the simple machines. You may use props or other students for assistance, but you must be the main component of the simple machine. Be prepared to demonstrate and present to the class! 1

Create a simple machine rap that discusses how the machine works and how it makes work easier. You should include at least one verse per simple machine as well as a chorus that summarizes all simple machines. 2

Build a Rube Goldberg machine that consists of at least one type of each machine. You will have to demonstrate the Rube Goldberg machine to the class and explain how each simple machine is used.

Assume the role of a person living in prehistoric times. Create a journal about how everyday life presents challenges without the assistance of devices that make work easier. Imagine you have created a simple machine and discuss how it will change society. 2

Webquest Handouts:
Name: _______________________ Class:_________ Date: _____________

Simple Machines
Activity 1: The Inclined Plane

Lesson 1: The Inclined Plane

Getting Started: With your partner, think of as many examples of inclined planes as you can. Record your list.

Lab Instructions

1. Select a length for the inclined plane. 2. Record the length, effort force and indicate whether or not it was successful. 3. Repeat using various lengths.

Data Collection Table 1: Inclined Plane

Length of Inclined Plane (m)

Effort Force

Success?

1. From your chart of data, find the maximum effort our crew member can sustain to pull the stone up the inclined plane. What is the length of this inclined plane?

2. Would this be the ideal length to use for the inclined plane?

3. What other factors might you consider?

4. Defend your choice for the ideal length. Give your reasons in complete sentences.

Table 2: Transfer the data for length and effort from Table 1 onto Table 2. Calculate the amount of work done to get the stone to the top of each inclined plane. Remember: Work = Force applied X distance mass is moved

Effort Force (N) 3480 N

Distance (m) 40 m

Work (Nm or J) 139,200 J

Graphing Data Plot the data from Table 1

Force (N)

Length (m)

1. Describe the arrangement of points on your graph.

2. What happens to the effort force needed as the length of the inclined plane increases?

3. What do we call this kind of relationship?

4. Using the information you have just collected, in your own words explain the advantage gained by using an inclined plane to raise an object.

The Wedge Connection

1. Confer with your partner and make a list of how the wedge and the inclined plane are similar. (Be sure to consider both form and function)

2. What happens to the stone as Harry pulls the inclined plane toward himself?

3. In what direction is Harry applying the force?

4. In what direction is the force acting on the stone?

5. What is moving the most, the inclined plane or the stone? Remember: Work = force X distance the force moves

6. Predict which force is greater: the force Harry is applying to the magical weightless inclined plane or the force acting on the stone? Explain your answer using complete sentences.

Simple Machines
Activity 1: The wedge

Lesson 1: The Wedge Lab Instructions

1. Select a length for your wedge. The width will remain at 12 cm. 2. Record the length of your first wedge, the force that was applied, and indicate whether or not it was successful. 3. Repeat using 7 different lengths.

Data Collection

Table 1: Wedge

Length (cm)

Width (cm) 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

Force (N)

Use a graph to look at the force required for all wedges you tested.

Force (N)

Length (cm)

Analysis Questions:

1. Using the data from your chart and graph, write a general statement about the length and width of the wedges that did the work most efficiently.

2. Make a prediction of what might happen with extreme shaped wedges. i.e.: an extremely long wedge or a very short almost flat wedge. Might there be problems at both extremes? Explain your prediction.

3. What is the relationship between the wedge length and the force required to use it?

Name: _______________________

Class:_________ Date: _____________

Simple Machines

Lesson 1: The Lever Lab Instructions

1. Select a placement for the fulcrum and record your data. 2. Record effort distance, effort force and indicate whether or not it was successful. 3. Repeat using various fulcrum placements.

Data Collection Table 2: Lever

Effort Distance

Effort Force

Success

Table 3

Use your data from table 2 to create a table showing work done. Effort Distance (m) X Effort Force (N) = Work (J)

1. What do you notice about the amount of work done in each successful trial?

2. Compare the effort distance (DE) and effort force (FE) in all trials. What happens to the amount of FE as the DE increases?

3. Use the term inverse or direct to explain the relationship between FE and D E as you adjusted your lever. (Use complete sentences)

4. What are the advantages of using a lever to lift this stone?

Use the same data again to complete table 4 which will help us look at mechanical advantage. Table 4 When you have filled in the data calculate the MA both ways for each successful test. Make sure you read the webpage to find the Resistance Force (FR) and Resistance Distance (DR).

FR

FE

MA

DE

DR

MA

5. What conclusions can you draw from comparing the MA using the forces and the MA using distances for each trial?

6. Comparing different trials:

As the effort distance (DE) increases: What happens to the MA?

What happens to the effort force?

7. Using what youve learned, explain the advantage of using a lever to lift a heavy mass.

Simple Machines
Activity 1: Screw Lesson 1: The Screw

1. If this inclined plane moves 3 cm to the left, how high will it lift the object?

Data Collection Record the effort force, the distance lifted and the thread density for 5 tests. Table 1

Effort Force (N)

Distance (m)

Thread density (threads/m)

Graphing Use the data from Table 1 to complete these graphs.

Graph A

Distance Wheel is Turned (m)

Thread Density (Threads/m)

2. As the number of threads per meter increases what happens to the distance the wheel is turned to lift the gate?

Graph B

Effort Force (N)

Thread Density (Threads/m)

3. As the number of threads per meter increases, what happens to the amount of force needed to turn the wheel?

4. Discuss the relationships shown on graphs A and B with your partner. In your own words explain how an increase in thread density changes the distance the wheel is turned and the amount of effort force needed to lift the slab. Be sure to use complete sentences.

Simple Machines

Lesson 1: Wheel and Axle

5. With your partner, list as many possible reasons why they used a wheel to turn the screw instead of a screwdriver.

Data Collection

Record the effort applied, distance the wheel is turned and wheel radius on Table 2 for each of your tests.

Table 2

Effort Force (N)

Distance (m)

Wheel Radius (cm)

Graphing

Use the data from Table 2 to complete graph C. Graph C

Effort Force (N)

Wheel Radius (cm) 6. What happens to the effort force as the radius increases? Use complete sentences.

7. If an increase in the length of an effort arm results in a decrease in the effort force, explain why an increase in the radius of a wheel results in a decrease in effort force needed.

8. As the radius of the wheel increases, what happens to its circumference? How does this change the distance the handle moves to make one full rotation?

9. What would you gain if you applied the effort force at the axle instead of at the outside of the wheel?

Machines in Combination

Discuss with your partner. You have seen that adjusting thread density will change the amount of effort force needed and adjusting the wheel radius will also change the amount of effort force needed.

10. Explain in your own words the advantage of combining these two simple machines. Use complete sentences. .