Simple Machines Technology Quiz
Technology is advancing every single day, with new smartphones, cars, gaming consoles and computers being developed. Today we take a close look at those machines and the history of machines as a whole. Good luck!
- 1.
What is the term for pushing or pulling on an object to make it move?
- A.
Work
- B.
Force
- C.
Power
- D.
Energy
Correct Answer
A. WorkExplanation
Work is the term used to describe the action of pushing or pulling on an object to make it move. It is the transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object and it moves in the direction of the force. Work is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the distance it moves in the direction of the force. It is a measure of the amount of energy transferred to or from an object when a force is exerted on it.Rate this question:
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- 2.
A student wants to use a lever to lift a heavy load. Where should the fulcrum be placed to use as little effort as possible?
- A.
The fulcrum should be removed from the lever
- B.
The fulcrum should be closer to the effort than to the load
- C.
The fulcrum should be closer to the load than to the effort
- D.
The fulcrum should be exactly between the effort and the load
Correct Answer
C. The fulcrum should be closer to the load than to the effortExplanation
The correct answer is "The fulcrum should be closer to the load than to the effort." This is because placing the fulcrum closer to the load increases the lever arm length on the load side, which creates a mechanical advantage. This allows the student to lift the heavy load with less effort. Placing the fulcrum closer to the effort would decrease the lever arm length on the load side, making it harder to lift the load.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In a compound pulley, what happens when an additional pulley is added?
- A.
The amount of effort needed is reduced
- B.
The amount of effort needed is doubled
- C.
The amount of effort needed is increased
- D.
The amount of effort needed remains the same
Correct Answer
A. The amount of effort needed is reducedExplanation
When an additional pulley is added to a compound pulley system, the amount of effort needed to lift an object is reduced. This is because adding more pulleys increases the mechanical advantage of the system. The load is distributed over multiple lines, reducing the force required to lift the load. As a result, the effort needed to lift the load is decreased.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which will require the GREATEST force to move an object up the inclined plane?
- A.
A steel ramp with a steep slope
- B.
A steel ramp with a gentle slope
- C.
A sandpaper ramp with a steep slope
- D.
A sandpaper ramp with a gentle slope
Correct Answer
C. A sandpaper ramp with a steep slopeExplanation
A sandpaper ramp with a steep slope will require the greatest force to move an object up because the rough surface of the sandpaper creates more friction between the object and the ramp. Friction is the force that opposes motion, and the rougher the surface, the greater the friction. The steep slope also increases the force required as the object needs to overcome the steeper incline.Rate this question:
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- 5.
How does a wedge function?
- A.
A small force is used to turn the wedge, and the force then increases
- B.
A wedge uses a smaller amount of force if it is used over a greater distance
- C.
A force strikes the flat end of the wedge and drives the thin edge of the wedge forward.
- D.
A wedge changes the direction of the force, so instead of moving up, the force moves down.
Correct Answer
C. A force strikes the flat end of the wedge and drives the thin edge of the wedge forward.Explanation
A wedge functions by having a force applied to the flat end of the wedge, which then drives the thin edge of the wedge forward. This allows the wedge to effectively split objects apart or hold them in place. The force applied to the flat end of the wedge creates a mechanical advantage, allowing the wedge to exert a greater force on the object being wedged.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What simple machines are found in a can opener?
- A.
Screw, lever, pulley
- B.
Lever, wedge, pulley
- C.
Wheel and axle, pulley, lever
- D.
Wheel and axle, lever, wedge
Correct Answer
D. Wheel and axle, lever, wedgeExplanation
A can opener typically consists of a wheel and axle, lever, and wedge. The wheel and axle is used to rotate the can, making it easier to open. The lever is used to apply force and create a fulcrum, allowing the user to pry open the can lid. The wedge is used to puncture the can lid, making it easier to lift. Therefore, the correct answer is wheel and axle, lever, wedge.Rate this question:
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- 7.
A science teacher in a wheel chair uses a ramp to enter the school building. What simple machine did the science teacher use?
- A.
Pulley
- B.
Wedge
- C.
Inclined plane
- D.
Lever
Correct Answer
C. Inclined planeExplanation
The science teacher used an inclined plane to enter the school building. An inclined plane is a simple machine that is a sloping surface, like a ramp, that reduces the amount of force required to move an object vertically. In this case, the ramp allows the teacher in a wheelchair to easily move up and down the slope, overcoming the height difference between the ground and the entrance of the building.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What is one way simple machines help make tasks easier?
- A.
They increase the amount of work needed to do the task
- B.
They increase the amount of force needed to do the task
- C.
They decrease the amount of work needed to do the task
- D.
They decrease the amount of force needed to do the task
Correct Answer
D. They decrease the amount of force needed to do the taskExplanation
Simple machines help make tasks easier by decreasing the amount of force needed to do the task. This is because simple machines, such as levers or pulleys, allow us to distribute the force over a larger distance, making it easier to accomplish the task. By using simple machines, we can apply a smaller force to achieve the same result, reducing the physical effort required.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following is a type of simple machine that is made from two inclined planes?
- A.
Lever
- B.
Screw
- C.
Wedge
- D.
Pulley
Correct Answer
C. WedgeExplanation
A wedge is a type of simple machine that is made from two inclined planes. It is typically a triangular-shaped tool with a sharp edge, designed to be driven or forced between two objects to split, lift, or hold them apart. The inclined planes of a wedge allow for the transfer of force and the amplification of the input force, making it an effective tool for various applications such as cutting, splitting, and securing objects.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following lists three levers?
- A.
Flag pole, ramp, pliers
- B.
Nutcracker, ice tongs, ramp
- C.
Nutcracker, pliers, ice tongs
- D.
Ice tongs, flag pole, nutcracker
Correct Answer
C. Nutcracker, pliers, ice tongsExplanation
The correct answer is nutcracker, pliers, ice tongs. These three items are all examples of levers. A lever is a simple machine that consists of a rigid bar or rod that pivots on a fixed point called a fulcrum. In the case of the nutcracker, pliers, and ice tongs, the fulcrum is the joint or hinge that allows the tool to open and close. By applying force at one end of the lever, you can generate a greater force at the other end, making it easier to crack nuts, grip objects, or pick up ice.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Look carefully at the illustration below. What type of simple machine helps run the carnival ride shown?
- A.
Wedge
- B.
Pulley
- C.
Inclined plane
- D.
Wheel and axle
Correct Answer
D. Wheel and axleExplanation
The illustration shows a carnival ride with a large wheel connected to a smaller axle. This configuration allows for the rotation of the wheel, which in turn powers the ride. The wheel and axle is a type of simple machine that is commonly used to transfer force and motion. In this case, it helps to run the carnival ride by converting rotational motion into the desired movement.Rate this question:
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