Concepts

Question 1

Define mechanical advantage, and state how it is calculated.

Answer 1

Mechanical Advantage (MA): The factor by which a machine multiplies the input force. MA= Output force/ input force

Question 2

Explain how an inclined plane changes force

Answer 2

An inclined plane allows you to use less force over a greater distance to move an object upward, compared to lifting it vertically. Effect: It spreads the required work over a longer distance, reducing the input force.
Formula for MA of an inclined plane: MA=Length of slope/Height

Question 3

List common examples of wedges and screws

Answer 3

Wedges: Knife, axe, chisel, nail, doorstop. Screws: Jar lid, lightbulb base, spiral staircase, screw jack

Question 4

Identify the mechanical advantage of a few simple pulley set-ups

Answer 4

Single fixed pulley: MA = 1 (changes direction only) Single movable pulley: MA = 2. Block and tackle (multiple pulleys): MA = number of rope segments supporting the load

Question 5

1st Law (Law of Inertia

Answer 5

: An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted on by an unbalanced force. Example: A book on a table stays still until pushed.

Question 6

3rd Law:

Answer 6

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Example: When you jump, your legs push down on the ground, and the ground pushes you upward.

Question 6

2nd Law (F = ma):

Answer 6

The force applied to an object equals its mass times its acceleration. F=m×aF = m \times aF=m×a Example: A heavier car takes more force to accelerate.

Question 7

Describe how the concepts of mass and inertia are related. How would each principle be demonstrated?

Answer 7

Mass is the amount of matter in an object. Inertia is the resistance of an object to a change in motion. Relationship: The greater the mass, the greater the inertia. Demonstration: A bowling ball resists movement more than a tennis ball because it has more mass (and more inertia).

Question 8

How are mass and weight related but different?

Answer 8

Mass: Amount of matter (measured in kilograms); does not change with location. Weight: Force of gravity on an object (measured in newtons or pounds). Example: Your mass is the same on Earth and the Moon, but your weight is less on the Moon.