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GED Science: Levers and Simple Machines

The document provides an overview of simple machines, defining them as devices that make work easier by altering force direction or amount. It details the six types of simple machines, with a focus on levers, their components, types, and mechanical advantage. Additionally, it includes quick notes on other simple machines and tips for GED science exam preparation.

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57 views5 pages

GED Science: Levers and Simple Machines

The document provides an overview of simple machines, defining them as devices that make work easier by altering force direction or amount. It details the six types of simple machines, with a focus on levers, their components, types, and mechanical advantage. Additionally, it includes quick notes on other simple machines and tips for GED science exam preparation.

Uploaded by

Account4568
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

GED SCIENCE NOTES: LEVERS, MOTORS, AND SIMPLE MACHINES

1. SIMPLE MACHINES: THE BASICS

Definition:
Simple machines are devices that make work easier by changing the direction or amount of force needed
to move an object.
There are 6 main types of simple machines:
1. Lever
2. Wheel and axle
3. Pulley
4. Inclined plane
5. Wedge
6. Screw
Purpose:
Simple machines don’t reduce the total work; they help you use less force over a greater distance or
change the direction of force.
Formula for work:
Work = Force × Distance

2. LEVERS

Definition:
A lever is a rigid bar that pivots on a fixed point called a fulcrum.
Levers help lift or move loads more easily.
Parts of a Lever:
1. Fulcrum – the fixed point (pivot).
2. Effort – the force applied.
3. Load – the object being moved.
Law of the Lever:

Effort Force × Effort Arm = Load Force × Load Arm

If the effort arm is longer, less force is needed.

3. TYPES OF LEVERS

Type Fulcrum Position Examples Description

First-Class Fulcrum between Seesaw, scissors, Changes direction of force (push


Lever effort and load crowbar down → lifts up)

Second-Class Load between fulcrum Wheelbarrow, Increases force, does not change
Lever and effort nutcracker direction

Third-Class Effort between Tweezers, fishing rod, Increases speed and distance, not
Lever fulcrum and load broom force

Mnemonic:
1FLE, 2LLE, 3ELE
(First = Fulcrum middle, Second = Load middle, Third = Effort middle)
4. MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (MA)

Definition:
Mechanical advantage measures how much a machine multiplies your force.
Output Force (load)
𝑀𝐴 =
Input Force (effort)

For levers:
Length of Effort Arm
𝑀𝐴 =
Length of Load Arm

A higher MA means the machine makes work easier (less force needed).

5. OTHER SIMPLE MACHINES QUICK NOTES

Machine Function Example


Wheel and Axle Reduces friction, multiplies force Doorknob, car steering wheel

Pulley Changes direction of force Flagpole, crane

Inclined Plane Lifts objects using less force over a longer distance Ramp

Wedge Splits materials apart Knife, axe

Screw Converts rotation to lifting force Jar lid, drill

6. SUMMARY TABLE

Concept What It Does Energy Conversion Example

Lever Multiplies force or speed Mechanical → Seesaw


Mechanical

Simple Makes work easier by changing force or Depends on type Pulley,


Machine direction ramp

7. GED SCIENCE TIP

In the exam:
• You might see diagrams of levers asking which point is the fulcrum.
• Or questions like: “Which lever type gives the greatest mechanical advantage?” → Answer:
Second-class lever.

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