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Physics Notes (Machines)

The document provides an overview of machines, defining them as devices that simplify work by altering force magnitude or direction. It covers key concepts such as work done, mechanical advantage, efficiency, and types of simple machines like levers and pulleys, detailing their functions and applications. Additionally, it explains the principles governing levers and pulleys, including mechanical advantage and efficiency calculations.

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Tatenda Kane
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460 views6 pages

Physics Notes (Machines)

The document provides an overview of machines, defining them as devices that simplify work by altering force magnitude or direction. It covers key concepts such as work done, mechanical advantage, efficiency, and types of simple machines like levers and pulleys, detailing their functions and applications. Additionally, it explains the principles governing levers and pulleys, including mechanical advantage and efficiency calculations.

Uploaded by

Tatenda Kane
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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GOLDEN HERITAGE ACADEMY

PHYSICS NOTES

Introduction to Machines

 A machine is a device that makes work easier by changing the magnitude or direction
of a force.
 Machines reduce effort, increase speed, or change the direction of a force.
 Examples include levers, pulleys, gears, and inclined planes.

Key Concepts in Machines

Work Done

 Work is done when a force moves an object:

Work Done = Force × Distance Moved in the Direction of the Force

 SI Unit: Joule (J)

Energy Transfer in Machines

 Machines transfer energy from one form to another.


 They do not create energy; they help us use it more effectively.

Force Multiplication and Distance Multiplication

 Force Multipliers: Increase force, e.g., levers, pulleys.


 Distance Multipliers: Increase speed/distance, e.g., bicycle gears.

Mechanical Advantage (MA)

 Mechanical Advantage (MA) is the ratio of the load to the effort:

MA = Load / Effort

 Machines with a high MA require less effort to lift a load.

Velocity Ratio (VR)

 Velocity Ratio (VR) is the ratio of the distance moved by the effort to the distance
moved by the load:

VR = Distance moved by effort / Distance moved by load

 Velocity ratio is independent of friction.

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Efficiency of a Machine

 Efficiency measures how well a machine converts input work into useful output
work.
 Efficiency is always less than 100% due to friction and energy loss.

Efficiency (%) = (Output Work / Input Work) × 100

OR

Efficiency (%) = (MA / VR) × 100

 Lubrication and reducing friction can increase efficiency.

Types of Simple Machines

Machine Type Function Example


Levers Multiply force or change direction Scissors, Crowbar
Pulleys Reduce effort needed to lift loads Flagpole, Crane
Inclined Planes Reduce force needed to move an object upwards Ramps, Slides
Wedges Convert force into splitting action Knives, Axes
Screws Convert rotational force into linear movement Screws, Jacks
Gears Transfer and modify rotational motion Bicycles, Clocks

LEVERS

A lever is a simple machine that consists of a rigid bar that pivots around a fixed point called
the fulcrum. It is used to apply force to move or lift objects. Levers make work easier by
increasing force or distance.

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Key Terms in Levers

 Fulcrum (Pivot): The fixed point around which the lever rotates.
 Effort: The force applied to the lever.
 Load: The force exerted by the object being moved.

Principle of Moments

Levers work on the principle of moments:

 Effort × Effort Distance = Load × Load Distance


 Moment = Force × Perpendicular Distance from the Pivot
 For equilibrium: Total clockwise moment = Total anticlockwise moment

Types of Levers

Levers are classified into three types based on the relative positions of the fulcrum, effort,
and load.

Lever Position of Fulcrum, Load & Example


Type Effort
1st Class Fulcrum in the middle Seesaw, Crowbar, Scissors
2nd Class Load in the middle Wheelbarrow, Nutcracker
3rd Class Effort in the middle Tweezers, Broom, Fishing
rod

1st Class Lever 2nd Class Lever

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3rd Class Lever

Mechanical Advantage & Efficiency

Mechanical Advantage (MA):


MA = Load / Effort

Higher MA means less effort is needed to move a load.

Velocity Ratio (VR):


VR = Distance moved by effort / Distance moved by load

Efficiency:
Efficiency = (MA / VR) × 100%

Applications of Levers in Everyday Life

 1st Class Lever: Scissors, Pliers, Crowbars


 2nd Class Lever: Nutcrackers, Wheelbarrows, Door hinges
 3rd Class Lever: Tweezers, Brooms, Baseball bats

PULLEYS

A pulley is a simple machine consisting of a wheel with a grooved rim through which a rope
or belt passes.

It is used to lift heavy loads by reducing the required effort force.

Pulleys operate on the principle of force redirection and mechanical advantage.

Types of Pulleys

1. Fixed Pulley

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 A fixed pulley is attached to a structure and does not move.
 It changes the direction of the force applied but does not provide a mechanical
advantage. The mechanical Advantage is 1 because the effort required is equal to the
load to be lifted.
 Example: Flagpoles, Window Blinds

2. Movable Pulley

 A movable pulley moves with the load.


 It reduces the effort needed (by half) to lift a load by distributing the weight.
 Example: Construction Cranes, Lifting Mechanisms

3. Pulley Systems (Block and Tackle)

 A combination of fixed and movable pulleys.


 Provides a high mechanical advantage by spreading the load across multiple ropes.
 Example: Elevators, Ship Rigging

3. Mechanical Advantage (MA) of a Pulley System

 Mechanical Advantage (MA) = Load / Effort


 In an ideal pulley system, the mechanical advantage is equal to the number of rope
segments supporting the load.

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MA = Number of Supporting Ropes

4. Velocity Ratio (VR) of a Pulley System

 Velocity Ratio (VR) = Distance moved by effort / Distance moved by load


 In an ideal system without friction, VR = MA.

5. Efficiency of a Pulley System

 Efficiency (%) = (MA / VR) × 100


 Due to friction in the pulley system, the efficiency is always less than 100%.
 Lubrication and using smooth ropes can reduce friction and increase efficiency.

6. Applications of Pulleys

 Fixed Pulleys: Lifting buckets from wells, Flagpoles


 Movable Pulleys: Cranes, Hoists
 Block and Tackle: Sailboat rigging, Construction sites

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