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 …
DEFINITION: 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. EXPLANATION: Have you ever experienced the thrill of a roller coaster ride? All that giddy feeling of lightness as it moves up …
DEFINITION: A wheel and axle is a simple machine composed of a wheel attached to a smaller axle, enabling the transfer of force to accomplish tasks like lifting or moving objects more efficiently. EXPLANATION: When most people think of machines, they think of complex machines consisting of various components. However, all these complex machines are …
Levers are simple machines that are a part of our everyday lives. The basic structure of a lever consists of a beam that is balanced on a support or fulcrum. Levers can be grouped into three categories: First class, second class, and third class. The difference between the three classes of levers depends on the …
DEFINITION: Torque is the measure of a force’s ability to cause rotational motion around an axis. It’s calculated as the product of the force and the distance from the axis of rotation. EXPLANATION: Many forces familiar to us operate in a linear fashion. For example, a car moving on a straight road. Forces are the …
DEFINITION: Concurrent forces are multiple forces acting on a single point or object, where their lines of action intersect at a common point, resulting in a combined effect on the object. EXPLANATION: From mashing potatoes in the kitchen and typing on a keyboard to using a crane to lift heavy construction materials, we apply force …
We rely on machines and devices to carry out various tasks in our day-to-day lives. These machines and devices feature electronic circuits that enable them to carry out the tasks they are designed to. Combination logic circuits are just one type of circuit that is featured in many devices and machines that we use daily. …
Triangles, squares, and circles are some of the basic shapes we encounter in our day-to-day images. They have length and width and completely enclose a space. They are referred to as two-dimensional (2D) shapes because they only have two dimensions (measurable features) i.e. length and width. Three-dimensional shapes are those that have three measurable features …
An algorithm refers to a sequence of steps taken in order to complete a given task or solve a problem. It gives detailed guidelines with precise step-by-step instructions. They involve a process of computation with an initial step (often called an input) and end with a desired given result. For example, a computer program is …
One of the most thrilling encounters with ellipses is in a room of the National Statuary Hall of Washington D. C. The oval-shaped room introduces you to a whispering chamber where sound can travel along the walls in a unique way due to its elliptical shape. Ellipses are special figures resembling circles. They are like …
