SME
Grade 11 Science
Work, energy, power and simple machines
The main lesson, then each kind of problem it solves.
Work, energy, power and simple machines
Main lesson
Work done by a pull at an angle
Use this for “A crate is pulled 15 m across a floor by a 40 N force at 30° above level. How much work does the force do?”
Power: work done each second
Use this for “A 60 kg student runs up 4.5 m of stairs in 6 s. How much work does she do, and what is her power?”
A lever
Use this for “A 600 N load sits 0.4 m from the fulcrum, and you push 1.6 m from it. What is the mechanical advantage, and what effort lifts it?”
A block and tackle
Use this for “Four strands hold up an 800 N crate and the pulleys are 80% efficient. What pull lifts it, and how much rope do you pull to lift it 0.5 m?”
A ramp
Use this for “A 900 N crate is pushed up a 3 m ramp onto a 1 m platform. What is the ideal mechanical advantage and the effort? What if the ramp is 75% efficient?”
A spring launcher, friction and a ramp
Use this for “A spring (k = 400 N/m) pressed 0.15 m launches a 0.5 kg block over 0.5 m of floor with 2 N of friction. How high up the smooth ramp does it go?”
Energy on a pogo stick
Use this for “Describe the energy changes as a person bounces on a pogo stick (or a trampoline).”