Skip to content
05. Simple Machine

icon picker
Answer in one line

Prepared by: learnloophq@gmail.com
Last edited 26 days ago by Learn LoopHQ.

Chapter: 05. Simple Machine

b) Answer in one line

What is the primary function of simple machines?
The primary function of simple machines is to change the direction or magnitude of force, making work easier and faster.
Give one advantage of using machines related to safety.
Machines enable us to do unsafe and dangerous work safely, by allowing force application from a distance.
What is the origin of the word ‘machine’ and when did it gain its modern usage?
The word ‘machine’ is derived from the Greek word ‘makhana’ meaning ‘device’, first used around 1540 to refer to structures and gaining modern usage around 1670 for equipment with multiple moving parts.
Define the term ‘load’ in the context of simple machines.
Load is the weight or force that needs to be lifted or moved, representing the resistance the machine must overcome.
Why does mechanical advantage have no unit?
Mechanical advantage is a ratio of two forces (load and effort), both measured in the same unit (Newtons), so their units cancel out, making it a pure number.
What is the key difference between the myth and fact regarding the invention of simple machines?
The myth states Archimedes invented the first simple machines, while the fact is that he developed and improved them, with early human beings inventing the first basic stone tools over 2 million years ago.
What is the Law of Levers used to describe?
The Law of Levers describes the balance condition of a lever, stating that the product of load and load arm equals the product of effort and effort arm.
How can the mechanical advantage of a lever be calculated using the effort arm and load arm?
The mechanical advantage of a lever can be calculated as the ratio of the effort arm to the load arm (MA = Effort arm / Load arm).
Provide an example of a first-order lever.
A seesaw is an example of a first-order lever, where the fulcrum is positioned between the load and the effort.
Which type of lever is always considered a force multiplier?
The lever of the second order is always considered a force multiplier because its effort arm is always greater than its load arm, reducing the effort required.
What is the main characteristic of a third-order lever’s mechanical advantage?
The mechanical advantage of a third-order lever is always less than 1, as the effort arm is shorter than the load arm.
How is the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane determined?
The mechanical advantage of an inclined plane is determined by the ratio of the distance the load travels along the slope to the vertical height the load is lifted.
Describe the Johnstown Inclined Plane.
The Johnstown Inclined Plane is located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, USA, and is known as the world’s steepest vehicular inclined plane.
How far does a screw move in one rotation?
In one rotation of the screw, it moves through a distance equal to the distance between two consecutive threads.
What is the working principle of a wedge?
A wedge works by reducing the surface area where force is applied, which allows minimum effort to generate maximum pressure for cutting or splitting.
Name two practical applications of an inclined plane.
Two practical applications of an inclined plane are ramps used for moving cars between floors in parking lots and gradual slopes found along hilly roads.
How is a single fixed pulley and a wheel and axle arrangement related to levers according to “Science Alive”?
According to “Science Alive,” a single fixed pulley and a wheel and axle arrangement are considered modified levers with their fulcrum located at the axle.
What is a block and tackle system?
A block and tackle system is an arrangement of multiple pulleys used together to lift very heavy loads with significantly less effort by distributing the force.
Why is the efficiency of a practical machine always less than 100%?
The efficiency of a practical machine is always less than 100% because some energy is inevitably lost or wasted due to friction between its moving parts.
How is the mechanical advantage of a compound machine calculated in relation to its simple machine components?
A compound machine’s mechanical advantage is equal to the product of the mechanical advantages of all the simple machines it is made up of.
Why is the “Eco-Folder” activity aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12?
The “Eco-Folder” activity is aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 because taking care of machines helps improve resource efficiency in consumption and production by extending their lifespan and reducing waste.
What are the two main factors that determine a machine’s ability to do work?
The two main factors that determine a machine’s ability to do work are its mechanical advantage and its efficiency.
Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.