D: Mechanical Systems, section 3: developing simple machines Flashcards
What is design?
It is the physical form of a device that makes it usable
What is the church key opener?
A church key is a simple machine, a lever. It multiplies the force you use and focusses it to a tiny point
What are the advantages to the church key?
It multiplies the force you use and focusses it to a single point
What are the disadvantages to the church key?
It wasn’t built into the lid so you had to buy one
What is the removable tab on cans?
A tab that was built correctly and was better for the consumer.
What is function?
It is what a device is supposed to do
What is work in scientific terms?
Work is a transfer of energy.
At this level, work is known as force times distance.
In later courses you’ll learn the following:
Work is the transfer of energy by a force acting on an object as it is displaced. The work W that a force F does on an object is the product of the magnitude F of the force, times the magnitude d of the displacement, times the cosine of the angle θ between them. In symbols, W = Fd cos θ.
This is because FCosθ is equal to the magnitude of the x component of the force. Or the component that is parallel to the displacement.
What type of energy do the pedals of a bicycle have when they move?
Kinetic energy.
What combination forms a wheel-and-axle machine on a bicycle?
Pedals and sprocket are parts of this simple machine.
What is the final form of energy transferred throughout the bicycle?
Kinetic energy.
From where does the energy for doing work on a machine come?
Chemical energy stored in food.
What are two common sources of energy for machines?
- Fuels (e.g., gasoline)
- Electrical energy.
What is stored energy also called?
Potential energy.
What type of potential energy is stored in machines and the human body?
Chemical potential energy.
What happens to the energy of a ball when it is lifted to a higher level?
It becomes gravitational potential energy.
What type of stored energy does a ball have when it is lifted but not moving?
Gravitational potential energy.
True or False: Energy can be created or destroyed.
False.
What type of energy does a falling ball gain from gravity?
Kinetic energy.
Fill in the blank: Stored energy is also called _______.
Potential energy.
What practical systems store energy in the form of gravitational potential energy?
[Examples can vary, but common systems include dams, roller coasters, and elevated water tanks.]
What does the fan belt transmit power from?
A car’s crankshaft
The fan belt transmits power to a fan that cools the radiator and to a pulley for the alternator.
What is the primary function of the alternator in a car?
Produces electricity
The alternator generates electricity for use in the car or for storage in the battery.
What percentage of efficiency do many car engines typically achieve?
About 20 percent
This indicates that a significant amount of energy is lost in car engines.
What is energy transmission?
The transfer of energy from one place to another without changing it
Examples include a bicycle chain and electrical wires.