2/12 Physics update and homework due 2/19

Hi folks,

Today we spent a bit more time with the conservation of momentum problem which is proving tricky.  Hopefully it is making more sense for everyone now.

Also, today, we introduced the concept of simple machines.  We will be working with levers and pulleys to explore their relationship with work.  

Finally, we did a lab using levers to see how force, distance and work interrelate. 

Homework this week is to answer the questions in this email and

Read the Levers chapter in the Bite-Size Physics book I sent and do all 5 questions at the end of the chapter.  Please use the answers as reference only!  Answer them yourself first.  :)

Create the graph I've included below and use that to  answer the following questions.

1. What happened to the effort force as the fulcrum got closer to the load?

2. What happened to the effort force as the fulcrum got farther from the load?

3. What happened to the load force as the fulcrum got closer to the load?

4. How about when the fulcrum got farther from the load?

5. If you wanted to lift an object that you couldn't lift by yourself, where would you put the fulcrum? Close to, or far from the load?

6. What relationship does distance have to force in regards to the lever?