QUICK DEFINITION: Compressional waves, also known as longitudinal waves, transmit energy by causing particles to oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation, typically seen in sound waves and seismic vibrations. EXPLANATION: Compression and rarefaction are just like siblings. That’s because they stay right next to each other as neighbors in longitudinal waves. When we …
DEFINITION: Rarefaction refers to the region in a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart, creating a decrease in density. It occurs between compressions and is a phase of wave propagation. EXPLANATION: Waves are energy vibrations that are transmitted through a medium. However, the direction in which these waves vibrate can make all the difference. …
Force is something that we come across in everyday life. It can be defined as an external cause or energy that results in movement or a change in position of a body that is either at rest or moving in a straight line. It is an external push or pull that acts on an object. …
Simple machines are everywhere. They are the building blocks of many of the machines we use to make our work easier. A simple machine is any device that changes the magnitude or direction of a force applied to it. They are the simplest mechanisms that can make work easier by providing a mechanical advantage. Simple …
DEFINITION: Compound machines are complex systems made of multiple simple machines working together to perform tasks. They leverage the combined mechanical advantages of various components to accomplish specific functions or actions. EXPLANATION: Machines can be either simple or compound. Simple Machines Simple machines are machines in their simplest forms. They work through the application of …
Contact forces are the forces that arise when objects physically touch each other. In other words, they require direct contact to act. Forces in general fall into two categories: contact forces and non-contact forces. The names themselves give a clue—contact forces happen through touch, while non-contact forces can act across a distance without any physical …
Levers are simple machines used in many everyday tools. They have three parts: the effort, fulcrum (pivot), and load. When effort is applied, it moves the load through the fulcrum—the lever’s balance point. Levers are grouped into three classes based on the arrangement of these parts. In third-class levers, the effort lies between the fulcrum …
Light energy and chemical energy can be considered opposites in one respect: light energy cannot be stored while chemical energy can be stored for later use. Energy is said to be interchangeable from one form to another. If light energy could be changed into chemical energy, this can be a brilliant way to stockpile reserves …
There are three classes of levers—the class is determined by where the load, fulcrum, and force are located. For second-class levers, the load is usually located between the fulcrum and the force. The closer the location of the load to the fulcrum, the easier it is to lift the load. On the flip side, the …
An inclined plane is a simple machine that reduces the force needed to lift an object by allowing it to move up or down along a sloped surface, altering the effort required. It is one of the 6 examples of simple machines. It consists of a stationary surface that is tilted to make one end higher …