Simple Machines – Definition and uses.
Simple Machines as force multipliers.
Load, effort, mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and
efficiency.
Relation between M.A., V.R. and efficiency (Derivation
included).
Levers – Definition and principle.
First, second and third class of levers and their examples.
MA and VR of each type of levers.
Examples of each of these classes of levers as also found in
the human body.
Pulley system: single fixed, single movable.
Combinations of pulley & Block and tackle system.
MA, VR and η in each case.
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A machine is a device by which we can either obtain a gain in speed or
overcome a large resistive force (or load) by applying a small force (effort) in a
desired direction.
There are six types of simple machines – Levers, Pulley, Screw, Inclined plane,
Wheel and Axle and Wedge.
A simple machine can work as force multiplier.
It can be useful in lifting a heavy load by
applying less effort.
Example: A car can be lifted easily by using a
car jack.
A simple machine can change the point of
application of force to a convenient point.
Examlpe: The rear wheel of a bicycle is
rotated by applying effort on the pedal
attatched to the toothed wheel which is
joined to the rear wheel.
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A simple machine can change the direction of
effort applied to a convenient direction.
Example: A load can be lifted upward by applying
downward force using a single fixed pulley.
Without pulley the force needs to be applied in
upward direction.
A simple machine can be used for obtaining
a gain in speed. A greater movement of load
ny a smaller movement of effort.
Example: A pair of scissors are used to cut
the cloths. The blades of scissors moves
larger distance but the handle moves
smaller distance.
Load(L): The resistive force to be overcome by a machine.
Effort(E): The force applied on the machine to overcome the load.
Mechanical Advantage(M.A.): The ratio of load to effort is called the
mechanical advantage.
𝐋
M.A. =
𝐄
Velocity Ratio (V.R.): The ratio of the velocity of effort to the velocity of the
load is called velocity ratio.
𝐕𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭
V.R. = =
𝐕𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝
Efficiency (η) : The ratio of output work to input work is called efficiency.
𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤
η=
𝐈𝐧𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤
For a simple machine: M.A. = V.R. x η
It is a rigid, straight or bent bar which is capable of
turning about a fixed axis.
Working Principle:
Load x load arm = Effort x effort arm
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𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐦
M. A. of a lever =
𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐦
It is a disc with a grooved rim. A string or rope is passed around the groove at
the rim.
A pulley which has its axis of rotation stationary in position, is
called a fixed pulley.
𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐓
M. A. = = = 1, V.R. = 1, η=1
𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐓
It is used to change the direction of application of the force.
A pulley whose axis of rotation is movable is called movable
pulley.
𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝟐𝐓
M. A. = = = 2, V.R. = 2, η=1
𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐓
It is used to reduce the effort applied to lift the load.
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A single fixed pulley is connected with multiple movable
pulleys.
𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝟖𝐓
M. A. = = = 8, V.R. = 8, η=1
𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐓
M.A. = 2n, V.R. = 2n
n = number of movable pulleys.
Block (upper) has multiple pulleys attached to a fixed support.
Tackle (lower) has multiple pulleys attached to a movable support.
𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝟓𝐓
M. A. = = = 5, V.R. = 5, η=1
𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐓
M.A. = n, V.R. = n
n = total number of pulleys in block and tackle system.
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Module – 1 (Simple Machine) M.M. – 10
Multiple Choice Questions Time – 10 Min
Q1. The diagrams below show four pulley systems. State which of the statements following the
diagrams is true.
(a) There are three pulley systems with V.R. = 2 and one pulley system with V.R. = 1.
(b) There are two pulley systems with V.R. = 2, one pulley system with V.R. = 3 and one pulley
system with V.R. = 1.
(c) There are two pulley systems with V.R. = 2, one pulley system with V.R.= 3 and one pulley
system with V.R. = 4.
(d) There are two pulley systems with V.R. = 2 and two pulley system with V.R. = 3.
Q2. During his experiments with a single movable pulley, Jas determined the effort, mechanical
advantage and efficiency as X, Y & Z, respectively. Subsequently, after lubricating the pulley
thoroughly, he recalculated the effort, MA and efficiency. X', Y' & Z' respectively. Which of
the following relationships accurately represents the scenario?
(a) X’> X (b) Y’< Y
(c) Z’> Z (d) Z’ = Z
Q3. A woman draws water from a well using a fixed pulley. The mass of the bucket and water
together is 10 kg. The force applied by the woman is:
(a) 10 N (b) 50 N
(c) 100 N (d) 200 N
Q4. In the diagram shown aside, the velocity ratio of the arrangement is:
(a) 0 (b) 1
(c) 2 (d) 3
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Q5. Mechanical advantage (M.A.), Load (L) and Effort (E) are related as:
E
(a) M.A. = L x E (b) M.A. =
L
(c) M.A. x E = L (d) M.A. X L = E
Q6. A single fixed pulley is used because:
(a) it changes the direction of effort downward (b) it multiplies speed
(c) its efficiency in real life is 100 % (d) it multiplies effort
Q7. If a block and tackle system with convenient direction has 3 movable pulleys, then its
velocity ratio:
(a) should be 6 (b) should be 7
(c) is 3 (d) is either 6 or 7
Q8. When a machine is used as a force multiplier, the –
(a) Effort = Load (b) Effort > Load
(c) Effort < Load (d) Effort = 0
Q9. A block and tackle pulley system has ‘n’ pulleys. If the load moves up through a distance ‘d’,
the effort end moves through a distance:
(a) d (b) nd
d
(c) (d) 2d
n
Q10. The diagram given shows a system of pulleys. The upper two pulleys are
fixed and the lower two are movable.
The load and the effort of the pulley system are related as: (In an ideal
situation)
E L
(a) L = (b) E =
4 4
(c) L = E + 4 (d) E = L + 4
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Module – 2 (Simple Machine) M.M. – 10
Multiple Choice Questions Time – 10 Min
Q1. Efficiency of a practical machine is
(a) less than 1 (b) greater than 1
(c) equal to 1 (d) equal to 0
Q2. Which of the statements is not true for an actual machine?
(a) Output of machine is always less than input.
(b) Its mechanical advantage is less than velocity ratio.
(c) Its mechanical advantage is greater than velocity ratio.
(d) Its efficiency is always less than 100%.
Q3. Increase in velocity ratio and keeping the mechanical advantage constant would ………………
the efficiency.
(a) increase (b) decrease
(c) not affect (d) nullify
Q4. What is the MA and VR of the machine shown in the figure given below?
(a) M.A. = 2 and V.R. = 1 (b) M.A. = 2 and V.R. = 2
(c) M.A. = 1 and V.R. = 2 (d) M.A. = 1 and V.R. = 1
Q5. A fire tong is an example of which types of simple machine?
(a) Type I lever (b) Type II lever
(c) Type III lever (d) Pulley
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Q6. A boy uses a single movable pulley to lift a load of 50 kgf to some height. Another boy uses
a single fixed pulley to lift the same load to same height. The ratio of effort applied by them
is:
(a) 0.5 (b) 4
(c) 2 (d) 1
Q7. An actual pulley system always has mechanical advantage less than velocity ratio. It is
because
(a) a part of effort is wasted in overcoming load.
(b) a part of effort is wasted in overcoming friction.
(c) effort applied is less than load
(d) both (a) and (b)
Q8. A lever that always has mechanical advantage less than 1 has:
(a) effort between the load and friction (b) load between effort and fulcrum
(c) effort and load applied at the same point (d) fulcrum between the load and effort
Q9. An effort of 50 kgf is applied at the end of a lever of the second order, which supports a load
of 750 kgf, such that the load is at a distance of 0.1 m from the hinge. Find the length of the
lever. (Assume the weight of the lever is negligible.)
(a) 0.1 m (b) 1.5 m
(c) 3 m (d) 0.2 m
Q10. A key is 5 cm long which turns the lever of a lock at a distance of 1 cm. If the lock is opened
by an effort of 10 N, what will be the resistance offered by the levers of the lock?
(a) 40 N (b) 80 N
(c) 20 N (d) 10 N
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Module – 3 (Simple Machine) M.M. – 5
Assertion & Reason Questions Time – 5 Min
In each of the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is given followed by a
corresponding statement of Reason (R). Select the correct answers to codes (a), (b), (c) or (d)
as given below.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) Both (A) and (R) are false.
Q1. Assertion (A): A pair of pliers is an example of a third – class lever.
Reason (R): In a third – class lever, the load is between the effort and fulcrum.
Q2. Assertion (A): In a first – class lever, if the distance from the fulcrum to the load is increase,
the effort needed to lift the load increases.
Reason (R): See – Saw is an example of first class lever.
Q3. Assertion (A): The mechanical advantage of a single movable pulley is 2.
Reason (R): The load is balanced by twice the tension in the rope as the effort.
Q4. Assertion (A): There is no mechanical benefit of a single fixed pulley.
Reason (R): Effort exerted on an ideal single fixed pulley is more than the load.
Q5. Assertion(A): Scissors used for cutting metal sheets have short blade and long handles.
Reason (R): Resistance offered by the metal sheets is very small.
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Module – 4 (Simple Machine) M.M. – 20
Short Answer Type Questions Time – 20 Min
Q1. The diagram below shows a claw hammer used to remove nails.
To which class of lever does it belong? Also give one more example of same class of lever.
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q2. Why a jack screw is provided with a long arm?
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q3. Every day you use your body as a machine. Explaining the movement, show that the three
classes of levers are observed in a human body.
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q4. The diagram aside shows a pulley arrangement.
(a) Copy the diagram and mark the direction of tension in each strands of
the string.
(b) Calculate the velocity ratio of the arrangement.
(c) If the load to be lifted is 100 N. Find the effort applied.
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q5. (a) Draw a block and tackle system having 4 pulleys and mark the direction of tension in the
string.
(b) In the above pulley system a load of 175 kgf is lifted through a vertical height of 15 m.
The effort required and the distance by which effort should move.
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q6. The graph shows load against effort for a lever with load and effort on the same side of the
fulcrum.
(a) Which feature of the load and the effort graph must be calculated to determine mechanical
advantage?
(b) Which class does this lever belong to?
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q7. Match the columns by choosing the body part and corresponding mechanical lever of the
same class.
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q8. A block and tackle system has a velocity ratio 3.
(a) Draw a labelled diagram of this system.
(b) Calculate the effort required to lift a weight of 100 kgf by this system.
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q9. A cook uses a fire tongs of length 28 cm to lift a piece of burning coal of mass 250 g. If he
applies effort at a distance of 7 cm from the fulcrum, calculate –
(a) distance of the burning coal from the fulcrum, (b) effort applied by the cook.
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q10. A nut which can be broken by applying a force of 40 kgf, is broken by using a nut cracker
having its handle 20 cm long, by placing it at a distance of 2 cm from the hinge. Calculate
the minimum force required to break the nut.
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Module – 5 (Simple Machine)
Previous Years Board Questions
2017
Q1. Why is a jack screw provided with a long arm?
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q2. Which class of lever will always have M.A. > 1 and why?
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q3. A boy uses a single fixed pulley to lift a load of 50 Kgf to some height. Another boy uses a
single movable pulley to lift the same load to the same height. Compare the effort applied
by them. Give a reason to support your answer.
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q4. A pulley system with VR = 4 is used to lift a load of 175 kgf through a vertical height of 15
m. The effort required is 50 kgf in the downward direction. (g = 10 N kg -1)
Calculate:
(i) Distance moved by the effort. (ii) Work done by the effort.
(iii) M.A. of the pulley system. (iv) Efficiency of the pulley system.
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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2018
Q1. The diagram below shows a lever in use:
(i) To which class of levers does it belong?
(ii) Without changing the dimensions of the lever, if the load is shifted towards the fulcrum what
happens to the mechanical advantage of the lever?
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q2. (i) Draw a diagram to show a block and tackle pulley system having a velocity ratio of 3
marking the direction of load(L), effort(E) and tension(T).
(ii) The pulley system drawn lifts a load of 150 N when an effort of 60 N is applied. Find its
mechanical advantage.
(iii) Is the above pulley system an ideal machine or not?
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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2019
Q1. The diagram below shows a claw hammer used to remove a nail:
(i) To which class of lever does it belong?
(ii) Give one more example of the same class of lever mentioned by you in (i) for which the
mechanical advantage is greater than one.
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q2. The diagram below shows a pulley arrangement:
(i) Copy the diagram and mark the direction of tension on each strand of the string.
(ii) What is the velocity ratio of the arrangement?
(iii) If the tension acting on the string is T, then what is the relationship between T and effort E?
(iv) If the free end of the string moves through a distance ‘x’, find the distance by which the load
is raised.
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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2020
Q1. (i) Identify the class of the lever shown in the diagram below:
(ii) How is it possible to increase the M.A. of the above lever without increasing its length?
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q2. A block and tackle system of pulleys has velocity ratio 4.
(i) Draw a neat labelled diagram of the system indicating clearly the points of application and
direction of load and effort.
(ii) What will be its V.R. if the weight of the movable block is doubled?
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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2023
Q1. Name a single pulley in which displacement of load and effort is not the same.
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
Q2. A block and tackle system of pulleys has velocity ratio 4.
(a) Draw a labelled diagram of the system indicating clearly, the direction of the load and
the effort.
(b) What is the value of the mechanical advantage of the given pulley system if it is an ideal
pulley system?
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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2024
Q1. Which of the following is a class III lever?
(a) Pair of scissors (b) Wheelbarrow
(c) Crowbar (d) Human forearm
Q2. Name the class of the lever shown in the picture below:
Answer: _____________________________________________________________________
Q3. Meera chose to use a block and tackle system of ‘9’ pulleys instead of a single movable
pulley to lift a heavy load.
(a) What is the advantage of using a block and tackle system over a single movable pulley?
(b) Why should she connect more number of pulleys in the upper fixed block?
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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Q4. Given are two pulleys.
(a) Copy and complete the labelled diagram connecting the two pulleys with a tackle to
obtain Velocity Ratio = 2.
(b) If Load = 48 kgf and efficiency is 80% then calculate:
1. Mechanical Advantage. 2. Effort needed to lift the load.
Answer: ______________________________________________________________________
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