What are machines?
- Machines are used to make life easier
- Forces and machines are related. e.g Where friction is used
What can machines do?
To get a job done, you apply a force called and effort to the load. The load is a force required to do the job.
A simple machine can make a task easier in three different ways:
A simple machine can make a task easier in three different ways:
- Change the size of a force
- Make things speed up
- Change direction of a force
Types of machines
There are 6 types of machines:
Changing the size of a force. E.G crowbar, jack, spoon
Lifting a car to change a tyre would require a huge effort force applied over a small distance. This would be most likely impossible. However, using a jack makes the task easier and the effort required is smaller. Technically using a small machine to do a big job.
Making things speed up. E.G egg beater, wheel, gear, speed multipliers
A machine can also make something move faster than otherwise possible. You need to apply greater force to these types of machines but, the machines speed up. That is why they are also known as a speed multiplier.
Changing the direction of a force. E.G blinds
A machine can also change the direction in which a force acts. Like when you pull the blinds down, you change the direction after you pull the blinds up.