Activity 3

If you put a metal screw beside a ramp it may be hard to see the similarities, but the screw is actually just another kind of inclined plane. Follow the instructions to get a screw from an inclined plane.

a) Cut a right-angled triangle from a sheet of paper.

b) The dimensions of the minor cathetus should be 10 cm and the length of the major cathetus should be 15 cm.

c) Use a marker to colour the hypotenuse of the triangle. Position the minor cathetus of the triangle along the side of a pen.

d) Fasten the minor cathetus to the pen with a piece of adhesive tape.

e)Wrap the paper around the pen by rolling the pen. Fasten the end of the triangle with a piece of adhesive tape.

Repeat this experience and make your own pictures. Calculate the following parameters:

    1. Thread

    2. Pitch

    3. Hipotenuse

    4. Cathetus