Activity 1.1.2 Simple Machines Practice Problems Answer Key
Answer the following questions regarding simple machine systems. Each question requires proper illustration and annotation, including labeling of forces, distances, direction, and unknown values. Illustrations should consist of basic simple machine functional sketches rather than realistic pictorials. Be sure to document all solution steps and proper units.
All problem calculations should assume ideal conditions and no friction loss.
Simple Machines – LeverA first class lever in static equilibrium has a 50lb resistance force and 15lb effort force. The lever’s effort force is located 4 ft from the fulcrum.
1.Sketch and annotate the lever system described above.
2.What is the actual mechanical advantage of the system?FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
AMA = 3.33
3.Using static equilibrium calculations, calculate the length from the fulcrum to the resistance force. FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
A wheel barrow is used to lift a 200 lb load. The length from the wheel axle to the center of the load is 2 ft. The length from the wheel and axle to the effort is 5 ft.
7.Sketch and annotate the lever system described above.
8.What is the actual mechanical advantage of the system?FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
9.Using static equilibrium calculations, calculate how far from the fulcrum the tweezers must be held to avoid damaging the sliver FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
Simple Machines – Wheel and Axle10. What is the linear distance traveled in one revolution of a 36 in. diameter wheel? FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
An industrial water shutoff valve is designed to operate with 30 lb of effort force. The valve will encounter 200 lb of resistance force applied to a 1.5 in. diameter axle.
11.Sketch and annotate the wheel and axle system described above.
12.What is the required actual mechanical advantage of the system? FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
13.What is the required wheel diameter to overcome the resistance force? FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
10.0in.
Simple Machines – Pulley SystemA construction crew lifts approximately 560 lb of material several times during a day from a flatbed truck to a 32 ft rooftop. A block and tackle system with 50 lb of effort force is designed to lift the materials.
14.What is the required actual mechanical advantage?FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
15.How many supporting strands will be needed in the pulley system? FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
A block and tackle system with nine supporting strands is used to lift a metal lathe in a manufacturing facility. The motor being used to wind the cable in the pulley system can provide 100 lb of force.
16.What is the mechanical advantage of the system?FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
17.What is the maximum weight of the lathe?FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
Simple Machines – Inclined PlaneA civil engineer must design a wheelchair accessible ramp next to a set of steps leading up to a building. The height from the ground to the top of the stairs is 2 ft. Based on ADA codes, the slope must be 1:12 or less. Slope is equal to the rise of the ramp divided by the run of the ramp. 18. Sketch and annotate the inclined plane described above.
19. Using the ADA code, what is the allowable minimum length of the ramp base? FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
20. Using the known height and calculated base length, what is the length of the slope of the ramp? FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
21. What is the ideal mechanical advantage of the ramp?FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
22. If a person and wheelchair have a combined weight of 185 lb, how much ideal effort force is required to travel up the ramp? FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
E=15.4lbsSimple Machines – WedgeA hydraulic shear applies a 2000 lb force to a wedge. It is used to shear plate steel to rough size. The shear has a ¼ inch thick cutting blade with a 45 degree slope. (Note 45°, 45°, 90° triangle)
23.Sketch and annotate the wedge described above.
24.What is the length of the slope?FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
= 0.354in.
25. What is the ideal mechanical advantage of the wedge?FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
MA=1.00
Simple Machines – ScrewA 7/16 nut driver with a 1 1/2 inch diameter handle is used to install a ¼ 20 UNC bolt into a robotic arm.
26.Sketch and annotate the screw system described above.
27. Determine the circumference where the effort is applied. FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
28. Determine the pitch of the screw.FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
29. What is the mechanical advantage gained in the system?FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
30. How much force can be overcome if 5 lb of force is exerted? FormulaSubstitute / SolveFinal Answer
