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Physics and Simple Machines Flashcards

7 cards from real SIFT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Physics and Simple Machines flashcards as text
  1. A screw advances 2 mm per rotation. If a screwdriver handle has a radius of 4 cm, what is the mechanical advantage? (Use MA = 2πr / pitch)

    Answer: Approximately 126

    MA = 2π × 0.04 m / 0.002 m ≈ 125.7, approximately 126.

  2. An object moving in a circle at constant speed is experiencing which type of acceleration?

    Answer: Centripetal acceleration toward the center

    Even at constant speed, circular motion requires centripetal acceleration directed toward the center to change the direction of velocity.

  3. A third-class lever always has a mechanical advantage that is:

    Answer: Less than 1

    In a third-class lever, effort is applied between the fulcrum and load, always resulting in a mechanical advantage less than 1, though range of motion increases.

  4. Which law of motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction?

    Answer: Newton's Third Law

    Newton's Third Law states that forces always come in equal and opposite action-reaction pairs.

  5. The unit of work in the SI system is the:

    Answer: Joule

    Work is measured in joules (J), where 1 J = 1 N·m, the energy transferred when a 1-newton force moves an object 1 meter.

  6. A movable pulley provides a mechanical advantage of 2 because:

    Answer: Two rope segments support the load

    A movable pulley has two rope segments pulling upward on the load, so each segment supports half the load, giving MA = 2.

  7. If friction is present in a simple machine, its actual mechanical advantage compared to its ideal mechanical advantage is:

    Answer: Lower

    Friction wastes energy as heat, requiring more input effort than the ideal frictionless case, so actual MA is always lower than ideal MA.