5.3.9

Levers & Gears

Test yourself

Levers - Example

We can use levers to increase the distance between the pivot and where we’re applying the force.

Gears

We use levers and gears to transmit (send) the rotational effect of a force from one place to another.

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Interlocking teeth

  • Gears are circular discs with ‘teeth’ around their edges.
  • Their teeth interlock. So if we turn one gear, another turns in the opposite direction.
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Transmit rotational effect

  • A set of gears can transmit (send) the rotational effect of a force from one place to another.
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Changing moment

  • We can use different sized gears to change the moment of the force.
  • For example, if we send a force to a larger gear, there will be a bigger moment.
    • This is because the distance to the pivot is greater.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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