Session Guide No.

14-15:
Simple Machines
Worksheets

Activity 2c: Do I do the same amount of work using simple machines?

Group Members
1. 4.
2. 5.
3.

Procedure:
1. Using the following materials (ruler, pencils, rubber band), set up a lever model as
shown below:

a) Put a coin on one end of the ruler. The coin will be the load (resistance) that will be
lifted using an applied force (effort) on the opposite side of the ruler.
b) Lift the coin by applying force on three different points as shown.

F1 F2 F3
d3
d2
coin d1
(load)

fulcrum

F1: force applied nearest to the fulcrum

F2: force applied midway between fulcrum and end of plank
F3: force applied farthest from the fulcrum

• Compare the points where the forces are applied in relation to the fulcrum using
the following mathematical symbols >, <, =.

d1 _____ d2 _____ d3
Which point is nearest to the fulcrum? _______________
Which point is farthest from the fulcrum? _____________
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 Session Guide No. 14-15:
Simple Machines
Worksheets

• Compare the magnitude (amount) of the three applied forces in lifting the
paperclip using the following mathematical symbols >, <, =.

Which applied force is the greatest? _______________

Which applied force is the least? _____________

What pattern have you observed between the applied forces (F1 to F3) and the distances (d1 to d3)?

A coin was lifted by applying force at three different points using a ruler lever. In your opinion, was
the same amount of work done each time? Explain your answer.

2. Set up an inclined plane model as shown below:

a) Using your finger, push an old AA battery up the ramp, from the bottom to the top
of the inclined plane.

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 Session Guide No. 14-15:
Simple Machines
Worksheets

b) Repeat the procedure but this time lifting the AA battery to the same height as the
top of the ramp.

d2
F1
F2
F1: force applied to push the battery up the ramp
F2: force applied to lift the battery to the same height
d1: length of inclined plane (ramp)
d2: height of the top of the inclined plane (ramp)

• Compare the length (d1) and the height (d2) of the inclined plane.

d1 _____ d2
• Compare the force applied in lifting the battery to the same height using the
inclined plane (F1) and the force applied by directly lifting it to the same
height (F2).

F1 _____ F2

What pattern have you observed between the applied forces (F1 and F2) and the distances (d1 and d2)?

A battery was pushed up a ramp using an inclined plane. In your opinion, was the same amount of work
done compared to directly lifting the battery to the same height? Explain your answer.

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