Simple Machines - Levers

Driving Questions:

• Why is it important for Engineers to explore the function and characteristics of the lever, wheel and axle, and pulley system?

• What are the different classes of levers?

• How do simple machines manipulate energy to create a desired output?

• How do engineers calculate mechanical advantage of simple machines?

• How can forces on a lever be changed to provide higher Mechanical Advantage?

Project Description

Using VEX kits, my group of three people built the three classes of levers. We created weights to imitate resistance, weighed them, and then attached them to the levers. Then, we used vernier gauges to measure the force of each lever, and measured the distance of the levers. Using the found measurements, we calculated the Ideal Mechanical Advantage, the Actual Mechanical Advantage, and the efficiency of each lever.

What I learned

From this project, I learned what the three different classes of levers were. I learned how to calculate Ideal Mechanical Advantage, Actual Mechanical Advantage, and efficiency of levers. I also figured out how to use a vernier gauge to measure force.