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