Physics
Wedge
A device that is thick on one end and tappers to a thin edge at the other end Advantage: Force Disadvantage: Distance Examples: Head of ax Knife Zipper
Inclined Plane
A flat, sloped surface Advantage: Force Disadvantage: Distance Examples: Moving ramp Stairs Boat ramp
Gravity
A force between two objects
Pulley
A grooved wheel with a rope or wire wrapped around it Advantage: Force (common) Direction (rare) Disadvantage: Distance Examples: Top of crane Top of elevator Top of flag pole
Simple Machine
A machine is a device that allows you to do work in a way that is easier or more effective. (Force, Distance and Direction)
Lever
A rigid bar that is free to pivot, or rotate on a fixed point called a fulcrum Advantage changes: Force Distance Direction Can only get one advantage at a time depending on how you use the lever
Atom
A single smallest unit of matter that consists of a dense center (nucleus) surrounded by electrons
Elastic Potential Energy
Associated with objects that can be stretched or compressed
Input Arm
Distance between the fulcrum and the input force
Output Arm
Distance between the fulcrum and the output force
Law of Conservation of Matter
Energy cannot be created nor destroyed only transformed into another form of energy.
Kinetic Energy
Energy of motion Kinetic Energy = ½ x mass x velocity²
Electromagetic/light
Energy that travels in waves Sunlight that you see Examples: Microwave rays to cook food X - rays used to examine bones
Force
Energy used to push or pull an object
Input Force
Force you exert on the machine
Mechanical Energy
Form of energy associated with the objects position and MOTION of an object Mechanical Energy = Potential energy + Kinetic energy Examples: Car engine Gears of a clock
Gravitational Potential Energy
Gravitational - Related to an objects height (Weight x Height)
1st class lever
Has the Fulcrum between the ends
3rd class lever
Has the Input Force between the ends
2nd class lever
Has the Output Force between the ends
Wheel and Axle
Made of two circular objects or cylindrical objects fastened together. The larger radius (wheel) rotates around the smaller radius. Both move in the same direction Advantage: Force Disadvantage: Distance Examples: Screwdriver Wheels on an automobile Wheels on a bike
Chemical
Potential energy that is stored in the chemical bonds that hold compounds together Examples: Stored energy in foods you eat In matches to light a candle
Nuclear
Potential energy that is stored in the nucleus of an atom Can only be released in a nuclear reaction Fusion reaction - nucleus of atoms are brought together Fission reaction - nucleus of atoms are split apart Common reaction found in hydrogen atoms of the Sun
Potential Energy
Stored energy
Energy
The ability to do work or cause change
Mass
The amount of matter in an object
Electrical
The energy of electric charges Can be stored or moving Power can be supplied by power lines or batteries Examples: Flashlights Handheld games Radio
Friction
The force exerted on an object when it is in contact with another object as it moves or tries to move
Weight
The force of gravity on an object
Fulcrum
The pivot point of a lever
Thermal Energy
The total potential and kinetic energy in an object
Screw
Thought as a inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder Advantage : Force Disadvantage : Distance Examples: Bolts Light bulbs Jar lids
Joules
Unit of measurement for work (J)
Newton Meter
Unit of measurement for work (NM)
Newton
Unit of measurement of force
Work Formula
W=FxD
Work
When an object is moved in the same direction as the force is applied
Output Force
the force the machine exerts on an object
Mechanical Advantage
the number of times a machine increases a force exerted on it