Mechanical Systems

Mechanism are designed to perform tasks. The basic principle behind mechanism is to

• Transform energy when a force is applied over a certain distance to do work.

Mechanism helps us to gain

• Greater output distance moved with smaller input distance moved

• Greater output force produced with small input force

• Greater output Speed of movement with slower input speed of movement.

Task 1

Design and make the following 3 types of levers with the given parts. You can see an example here

1. Catapult

2. Nutcracker

3. Pair of tongs

Move the position of the fulcrum , effort and load and determine the following

1) What happen when Load arm = effort arm

2) What happen when Load arm > effort arm

3) What happen when Load arm is < effort arm

On 3 pieces of A3 paper, draw and write down your conclusion. An example for class 1 is done below