Chapter 8 Section 2

Objectives:
Explain how a machine makes work easier.

Describe and give examples of the force-distance

trade-off that occurs when a machine is used.

Calculate mechanical advantage.

Explain why machines are not 100% efficient.

Machines: Making Work
Easier
Vocabulary:

Machine: a device that makes work easier by

changing the size or direction of a force
Work input:
 the work you do on a machine
 The product of the input force and the distance
through which the force is exerted
Work output:
 The work done by a machine
 The product of the output force and the distance
through which the force is exerted
 Input & Output forces:

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Same work, different
force:
Machines make work easier by changing the
size or direction of the input force

Machines help to decrease the input force and

increase the distance over which the force is
exerted
The Force-Distance
Trade-off:
Force or distance can increase, but not both.
When one increases, the other must decrease.

Machines can help change the force OR

distance through which the force is applied

See figure 4 page 219.

Mechanical
Advantage:
Vocabulary:
Mechanical advantage: a number that tells how many
times a machine multiplies force
Formula:
Mechanical advantage (MA) = output force ÷ input force
Ex: Push 500N weight up a ramp using 50N of force
MA = 500N ÷ 50N = 10
 MA > 1 helps to move or lift heavy objects
 MA < 1 reduces output force, but the distance an object
moves
Mechanical
Efficiency:
Vocabulary:
Mechanical efficiency: a comparison of a
machine’s work output with the work input
Formula:
Mechanical efficiency = work output ÷ work
input x 100

The work output of a machine can never be

greater than the work input
Friction
Perfect Efficiency??
An ideal machine = 100% efficiency (usually
not possible)

New technologies are being used to increase

efficiency
Ex: train floating on magnets (page 221, fig. 6)
Ex: using lubricants (oil, grease) to decrease
friction to increase efficiency)
Quick Quiz:
How does a machine make work easier?

What two things do you need to know in order

to calculate mechanical efficiency?

If the mechanical advantage of a machine is

5, how does the output force compare with
the input force?