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Simple Machines Investigation Worksheet

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Simple Machines Investigation Worksheet

Investigate how simple machines can change the effort needed to move a load. You can complete the pulley test with the supplied results if you do not have equipment. Use safe, light objects and follow your teacher’s instructions.

Plan your investigation

Pulley test: Compare the force needed to lift the same load directly and with a fixed pulley. You will need a spring balance, a fixed pulley, string and a 2 N load. Attach the balance to the load for the direct lift. For the pulley test, attach the load to one end of the string and pull the other end down using the balance. Pull steadily and read the force while the load moves slowly. Repeat each test three times and calculate the mean. Keep the pulley fixed securely and do not lift heavy objects.

1.Before testing, predict whether the fixed pulley will make the load require less force, more force or about the same force to lift. Explain your thinking.

2.A lever and a hand cart are two simple machines. Which one uses a bar turning around a fulcrum, and which one uses a wheel attached to a central axle?

3.Which plan makes the direct-lift and pulley results easiest to compare fairly?

Use the same load, lift it steadily, and repeat each method three times.
Use a different load each time and pull as quickly as possible.
Change the load and the pulley arrangement between every reading.

Results from a class test

A class tested the same 2 N load three times. Force is measured in newtons (N). Use the results to answer Questions 4–7.

Method

Trial 1 (N)

Trial 2 (N)

Trial 3 (N)

Direct lift

2.0

2.1

1.9

Fixed pulley

2.0

2.1

4.Calculate the mean force for the direct lift. Add the three readings and divide by 3.

5.Calculate the mean force for the fixed pulley. Give your answer to one decimal place.

6.What do the mean force readings suggest about how a fixed pulley affects the force needed to lift this load?

7.If the fixed pulley did not reduce the force, how could it still make lifting more convenient?

8.The readings are not all identical. Give one possible reason for the small differences between trials.

9.Suggest one change that would make the force results more reliable.

10.Draw a fixed pulley lifting a load. Label the effort, load and pulley, then add an arrow to show how the pulley changes the direction of the pull.

3 printable pages

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Page 2
Page 3

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Year 4

Simple Machines Investigation Worksheet

Simple Machines Investigation Worksheet

Plan your investigation

Results from a class test

3 printable pages

About This Worksheet

Free in Kuraplan

Print-Ready

AI-Generated

For Teachers & Parents

Need a custom version of this worksheet?

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