Science Flashcards
Test (31 cards)
System
A combination of parts that work together to perform a task or function.
Mechanical System
A combination of simple machines and motors that
performs one of more tasks.
Physical System
A group of physical parts that work together to perform a
task.
Social System
A number of people or organisms that interact together to perform tasks or to establish relationships.
Automation
The use of largely automatic machines and processes in the production process.
Block and tackle
A system of two or more pulleys with a rope or cable
threaded between them, usually used to lift or pull heavy loads.
Compound/Complex Machine
A device that consists of two or more simple
machines used to perform a task.
Component
A part of a machine or system.
Efficiency
A measure of the useful work performed by a machine in relation
to the energy put into the machine – usually stated as a percentage. No
machine is 100% efficient since there is always friction.
Force
Any push or pull. It can be a contact force or a Force at a distance.
Friction
The force that is a result of rubbing of two materials passing in
contact with one another. It opposes motion and results in the generation of
heat and decreases the efficiency of a machine.
Fulcrum.
The point or edge about which a lever rotates.
Gear
A toothed wheel that works together with another to change the
direction or speed of rotational motion.
Hydraulic
A mechanical function that operates through the force of liquid pressure.
Inclined Plane or Ramp
A simple machine that consists of a slanted surface
that is taller or elevated at one end.
Industry
The sum or totality (all) of manufacturing or technically productive enterprises in a particular field.
Input
One or more things that are added to or used in creating something else (ingredients).
Lever
A simple Machine made of a beam or rod that pivots on a hinge or fulcrum. There are three classes.
Load Arm/Effort arm
The length of a lever from the fulcrum to the point the
load is located is the Load arm and the distance from the fulcrum to the point
of applied force is the effort arm.
Wedge
A simple machine that has a shape of a triangular prism – with a sharp edge and a wider end.
Machine
A mechanical device that is designed to accomplish a task.
Mechanical Advantage
A measure of the ratio of the force produced by a
machine and the force applied to a machine. It is a measure of the
performance of a machine. MA = Output Force ÷ Input Force.
Mass and Weight
Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object. Measured in grams
or kilograms. Weight is the force of gravity on a mass. On Earth, Mass and
weight are seen as the same but on other planets, or the moon, your weight
changes but your mass stays constant.
Newton
The unit of force (N) – named after the scientist Sir Isaac Newton.
