Science - Grade 8

Unit 4 - Mechanical Systems

Topic 6 – Combining Systems

Terms:

• system - a collection of parts that work together in such a way that a change in
one part can result in a change in another part
• subsystem - a secondary or subordinate system that is part of a larger system

Notes:

• Some examples of simple machines:

• lever -a machine consisting of a bar that is free to rotate around a fixed
point, changing the amount of force that must be exerted to move an
object
• pulley -a wheel with a grooved rim to guide a rope or chain that runs along
the groove; used to transmit or change the direction of force
• wheel and axle -a machine consisting of two turning objects attached to
each other at their centres. One object causes the other to turn.
• inclined plane -a ramp or slope for reducing the force needed to lift
something
• gear -a rotating wheel-like device with teeth around its rim
• wedge - a simple machine used to separate two objects, or portions of
objects, through the application of force
• screw - an inclined plane that winds around itself, used to hold objects
together
• Most modern machines are a combination of several simple machines
• These type of machines are also known as complex machines
• When a simple machine is part of a larger machine, it is called a subsystem
• Each subsystem in a complex machine contains a simple machine and
usually has just one function

Subsystems:

• Subsystems in a mechanical device can produce a force advantage

• For example the disc brakes in a car:
• The force of the driver's foot on the break pedal supplies the effort force
• The load is the force on a piston that applies pressure on the brake fluid in the
master cylinder
• As the driver pushes down on the brake pedal, the effort force increases
the pressure transmitted in the brake fluid
• From the master cylinder, brake fluid flows to each wheel exerting
pressure on the brake pads
• The brake pads then press on the disc to produce friction which eventually
slows then stops the vehicle

• Below is another example of a complex machine composed of simple machines:

• The backhoe is a combination of 3 levers, called the boom (class 3 lever), the
dipper (class 1 lever) and the bucket (class 1 lever)
• The assembly of the 3 levers swings around on a gear-like part called the
slew ring

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