A machine = a device that helps us to overcome a load with less effort of force. Sometimes a machine is called a force multiplier.

Devices which are classed as simple machines are: Lever Pulley Wedge Screw Inclined plane Wheel and axle

Complex machines such as and consist of

A machine helps us to do a job faster with less effort

Levers are commonly used in everyday life. Levers can be classified into three classes:

The fulcrum is between the load and the effort. The load and the effort act in the same direction. Advantage = a small effort can lift a heavy load if the effort arm is longer than the load arm. Examples :

Fulcrum

Load

Fulcrum Effort

Effort

Load Fulcrum Effort Load

Effort

Fulcrum

Fulcrum

Effort

Load Load

The load is between the fulcrum and the effort. The load and the effort act in opposite directions. Advantage = the effort is always less than the load. Examples :

Load

Effort

Fulcrum Fulcrum Load Load Effort

Load

Effort

Effort Fulcrum

Fulcrum

Effort

Fulcrum

Load

The effort is between the fulcrum and the load. The load and the effort act in opposite directions. Advantage = a short distance moved by the effort makes the load move through a longer distance. Examples :

Load

Effort

Fulcrum
Load Fulcrum Effort Load Effort Effort Fulcrum Load Fulcrum

Effort

Fulcrum

Fulcrum

Effort

Load
Fulcrum Effort Load

Load

Load Load arm = Effort Effort arm

Attention !! The load arm is the distance from the load to the fulcrum. The effort arm is the distance from the effort to the fulcrum.

80 cm 2N Effort

30 cm

What effort is required to keep the lever in a horizontal position?

Effort 4N 1m 60 cm

Load

Calculate the weight of the load.

Effort = 12N

80 cm

At what distance from the fulcrum must the effort act to maintain the lever in a horizontal position?

9N

A force can be used to produce a turning effect to do work. For example, a nut can be tightened or loosened with a turning effect using a spanner. It would be much easier if the spanner has a longer handle.

is called the

moment of force. The turning effect can be increased in two ways: Increase the applied force Move the force further away from the turning point.

The moment of a force is defined as :

Force (N) Perpendicular distance from the turning point (m)

The moment of a force can be clockwise or anticlockwise, depending on which way they turn.

Moment about a pivot

Moment about a pivot: