Simple Machines

Machines is a device that makes the performance of mechanical work

easier by overcoming a larger output force called load (L) at one end using
an input force called effort (E) at another end.

Functions of machines
1. Change energy from one form into another (e.g., a hydroelectric
generator changes the energy of falling water into electrical
energy)

2. Transfer forces (e.g., a car transmission transfers the force from the
motor to the wheels)

3. Change the direction of a force (e.g., to raise a flag up a pole, we

pull down on a rope attached to a pulley at the top of the pole)

4. Change the magnitude of a force (e.g., a system of pulleys helps a

mechanic exert a small force to hoist a heavy engine out of a car)

5. Change distance or speed (e.g., the outer circumference of the rear

wheel of a bicycle moves farther and faster than the circumference
of the sprocket wheel attached to the pedals)
Force Ratio (Mechanical Advantage) – M.A
The force ratio or mechanical advantage is defined as the ratio of load
to effort, i.e.

Since both load and effort are measured in newtons, force ratio is a ratio
of the same units and thus is a dimension-less quantity.

The greater the mechanical advantage, the better the machine.

Velocity Ratio (Movement ratio) – V.R

The movement ratio or velocity ratio is defined as the ratio of the
distance moved by the effort to the distance moved by the load, i.e.

The smaller the velocity ration of the machine, the better.

Efficiency (𝜺)

The efficiency of a simple machine is defined as the ratio of the force

ratio to the velocity ratio, i.e.
Efficiency of a machine is never hundred percent

Due to the effects of friction and inertia associated with the movement of
any object, some of the input energy to a machine is converted into heat
and losses occur. Since losses occur, the energy output of a machine is
less than the energy input, thus the mechanical efficiency of any machine
cannot reach 100%.