Simple machine

10.1 LEVERS
1. A lever is a simple machine.
2. It is a stiff plank, beam bar used to move heavy loads or
handle things more easily.
3. The beam rests and turns about a fixed support.

4. Force is applied at some point on the beam.

5. The force applied is known as effort.
6. The beam turns around a fixed point called the fulcrum.
7. The effort has to overcome another force celled the load.
8. The lever makes work easier by allowing a little
effort to overcome a heavy load.
9. Examples of object using a lever.
Classification of levers
First class lever
1. In the first class fever, the fulcrum is between the load and the
effort.
2. A small effort will produce a large output force to lift the load or
overcome the resistance.
3. The effort is usually further away from the fulcrum than the load.
Second class lever
1. In the second class lever, the load is between the fulcrum and the
effort.
2. A small effort will produce a large output force to lift the load or
overcome the resistance.
3. The effort is usually further away from the fulcrum than the load.
Third class lever
1. In the third class lever, the effort is between the fulcrum and the
load.
2. A small movement of the effort will produce a large movement of the
load.
3. However, a large effort is required to overcome a smaller load.
The Moment of Force
1. When we open the door or use a wrench to loosen a
nut, we apply a force that causes a turning effect
about the fulcrum.
2. This turning effect is called the moment of a
force.
3. The moment of force is the product of the force F and the
perpendicular distance d from the line of action of the force to the
fulcrum.
Moment of force = F x d

4. The SI unit for the moment of a force is given by newton metre (Nm)
5. There are two types of moment for the moment of a force :
anticlockwise and clockwise moments.
6. The moment of force depends on :
a) The size of force applied
b) The perpendicular distance from the line of
action of the force to the fulcrum.

7. The larger the force applied, the greater the

moment of force. The longer the perpendicular
distance from the line of action of the force to the
fulcrum, the greater the moment of force.

8. Formulae :
Load (newton ) X Distance of the load from the fulcrum (metre)
=
Force (newton) X Distance of the force from the fulcrum (metre)
10.2 Machine Design
1. Lever allows us to do work more conveniently.
2. We also accomplish a certain task within a shorter period.
3. If you take a look around you, you will be able to find many
machines that use the principle of levers.
4. This ranges from simple tools like the spoon to more complicated
ones such as crane.
5. Levers can be used in pairs. Scissors are actually a
pair of first class lever joined at the fulcrum.
6. Figure below shows a model of a device used to lift
water from the well. It is created on the principle of
a lever.
Questions