SAASTE Technology/Activities/Mechanisms Worksheet

Systems & Control

Grade 9

Mechanisms Worksheet
1. Make a labelled sketch to show the three specific components of a lever. (The parts that tell us about the input, process and output)

2. Indicate on the picture of the jack below, the three components referred to above.

3. Work out the mechanical advantage of the above jack, given the following information

Effort = 20N Load = 40kg MA =load/effort

Always convert mass into force xkg x 10 = yN

4. Determine the moment so that the lever is balanced.

A mass of 35kg is placed 2m from the fulcrum. How much effort is needed to balance the mass if the effort is 5m away from the fulcrum? (Hint: for the lever to balance the moments need to be equal) Moment = effort X distance



5. Using the illustration below to indicate the input and output direction. (Make use of the acceptable convention symbols to indicate your answer)

5.1 Which gear will move faster?

6. Explain your understanding of the terms "loose pivot" and "fixed pivot"

Author: Alison Fowkes

Editor: Osman Sadeck