Name: ______________________

Simple Machines Worksheet (Section 8:3)

Define (Give the scientific definition of the machine)

Mechanical Advantage (Describe the mechanical advantage of the machine. Think about what the machine does for you.)

Examples (Give real-life examples of the machines.)

Picture (Draw a picture of each type of simple machine.)

Lever

First Class

Second

Class

Third Class

Define: a simple machine consisting of a bar that pivots at a fixed point, called the fulcrum

The fulcrum is located

between the input force

and the load

MA is equal to, greater than

and/or less than 1.

hammers,

see-saw,

using oars

The load is located

between the fulcrum and

the input force.

MA is greater than 1.

Wheel barrow,

Bottle top opener

The input force is

between the fulcrum and

the load.

MA is less than 1.

Hammering a nail,

Kicking a soccer

ball

Inclined

Plane

A simple machine that is

a straight, slanted

surface

The longer the inclined plane is

compared with its height the

greater the MA.

ramps

Wedge

A double inclined plane

that moves

The longer and thinner the

wedge is, the greater the MA.

Axes, knives,

doorstops, plows,

chisels

Define (Give the scientific definition of the machine)

Mechanical Advantage (Describe the mechanical advantage of the machine. Think about what the machine does for you.)

Examples (Give real-life examples of the machines.)

Picture (Draw a picture of each type of simple machine.)

Screw An inclined plane that is wrapped in a spiral

The longer the spiral on a screw is and the closer together the threads, the greater the MA.

Jar lids, bolts, top of a jar

Wheel and

Axle

A simple machine consisting of two circular objects of different sizes

MA is usually greater than 1, because the wheel is generally bigger than the axle.

Doorknobs, wrenches, ferris wheels, screwdrivers

Pulley

Fixed

Pulley

Movable

Pulley

Define: A simple machine consisting of a grooved wheel that holds a rope or a cable; a load is attached to one end and an input force is applied to the other end

A pulley that is attached to something that does not move

Does not increase the force; MA = 1

Elevator, flagpole

A pulley that is attached to the object that is being moved.

Does not change the force’s direction. Increases the amount of force, but over a longer distance than the load is moved. MA = 2

Cable system on a boat, ski lift, cable car

Block and

Tackle

When a fixed pulley and a moveable pulley are used together

MA is larger than 2

Sails and rigging on a boat

Compound

Machines

Machines that are made from two or more simple machines

In general the more moving parts a machine has, the lower the mechanical advantage

Can opener – has a wedge, 2nd class lever, wheel and axle

Name: ______________________

Simple Machines Worksheet (Section 8:3)

Define (Give the scientific definition of the machine)

Mechanical Advantage (Describe the mechanical advantage of the machine. Think about what the machine does for you.)

Examples (Give real-life examples of the machines.)

Picture (Draw a picture of each type of simple machine.)

Lever

First Class

Second

Class

Third Class

Define:

Inclined

Plane

Wedge

Define (Give the scientific definition of the machine)

Mechanical Advantage (Describe the mechanical advantage of the machine. Think about what the machine does for you.)

Examples (Give real-life examples of the machines.)

Picture (Draw a picture of each type of simple machine.)

Screw

Wheel and

Axle

Pulley

Fixed

Pulley

Movable

Pulley

Block and

Tackle

Define:

Compound

Machines