Investigating the Lever v1-6 Complete

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ITEM #1

Examine the student task at the end of the lever investigation, which uses information from thelever investigation below to create a procedure for a pulley.

Investigating the Lever and Pulley

A lever is another example of a simple machine. It can make lifting something much easier. In thisdemonstration you will learn how the lever works. Your teacher will show how you can use a leverwhen you work to lift a can or similar object.

Set-up:

The diagram below shows the set-up for this investigation. In this investigation, the goal is tolift the block straight up, as shown in the two diagrams below.A similar investigation will also be lifting the block to the same height using various levers. The firstlever will have the fulcrum located in the center of the board. For the next two setups, you will movethe fulcrum closer and closer to the block. You will compare the force and distance in these situations.

Materials:

List the materials you will need to do this investigation.

Procedure

Part 1: Lifting the block

1. Prepare the first setup by tying a string around the block.2. Lift the block to a height of 10 cm with the spring scale, and measure the amount of force (innewtons) you apply. Record this measurement in your data table.3. Lift the block again to the top of the stack of books, and measure the distance (in centimeters) thatthe person’s hand moves while lifting the block. Record this measurement in your data table.Repeat this procedure three times to get three sets of measurements.

Part 2: Using the lever to lift the block

1. Attach the clamp to the ring stand near the top. Use the other half of the clamp to attach the bolt.The bolt will be the fulcrum of your lever.2. Slide the wooden lever onto the bolt, so that the bolt goes through the middle of the lever. Securethe lever by screwing on the wing nut (not too tight).3. Hook the block to one end of the lever. The arm of the lever should be horizontal. (See the diagramabove.) Hold a ruler up or attach it to the ring stand so that you can easily measure 10cm above wherethe block is now hanging.4. Lift the block by pulling straight down on the lever with the spring scale, and measure the amount of force (in newtons) you apply. Record this measurement in your data table.5. Lift the block again, and measure the distance (in centimeters) that the person’s hand moves whilepulling down on the lever.Repeat this procedure three times to get three sets of measurements.

Part 3: Using the lever to lift the block (fulcrum closer to block)

1. Move the fulcrum (where the lever is attached to the bolt) to one of the holes closer to the block.2. Hook the block to one end of the lever. The arm of the lever should be horizontal. (See the diagramabove.) Hold a ruler up or attach it to the ring stand so that you can easily measure 10cm above wherethe block is now hanging.3. Lift the block by pulling straight down on the lever with the spring scale, and measure the amount of force (in newtons) you apply. Record this measurement in your data table.4. Lift the block again, and measure the distance (in centimeters) that the person’s hand moves whilepulling down on the lever.Repeat this procedure three times to get three sets of measurements.

Part 3: Using the lever to lift the block (fulcrum even closer to block)

1. Move the fulcrum even closer to the block.2. Hook the block to one end of the lever. The arm of the lever should be horizontal. (See the diagramabove.) Hold a ruler up or attach it to the ring stand so that you can easily measure 10cm above wherethe block is now hanging.3. Lift the block by pulling straight down on the lever with the spring scale, and measure the amount of force (in newtons) you apply. Record this measurement in your data table.4. Lift the block again, and measure the distance (in centimeters) that the person’s hand moves whilepulling down on the lever.Repeat this procedure three times to get three sets of measurements.

Data:

The following tables are for use in collecting data from the investigation.

Without Lever With Lever (fulcrum at center)

Force (N) Distance (cm) Force (N) Distance (cm)Trial 1 Trial 1Trial 2 Trial 2Trial 3

Trial 3

Total TotalAverage

Average

With Lever (fulcrum closer to block)

With Lever (fulcrum very close to block)

Force (N) Distance (cm) Force (N) Distance (cm)Trial 1 Trial 1Trial 2 Trial 2Trial 3

Trial 3

Total

TotalAverage

Average

Graphs:

Using the averages from the data, the results for the force and distance measurements can begraphed below.

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