Leavers and Gears

• What is the primary function of levers?

  To increase the distance of the pivot
• How do levers reduce the amount of force needed?

  By increasing the distance from the pivot
• If a lever increases the distance from the pivot, what happens to the force required?

  Less force is needed to exert the same moment
• What are the key characteristics of gears?

  • Circular discs with teeth around edges
  • Interlocking teeth for opposite rotation
  • Transmit rotational effect of force
  • Different sizes change moment of force
  • Longer gears turn slower than smaller gears
• What are gears primarily made of?

  Circular discs with teeth
• What happens when one gear turns?

  Another gear turns in the opposite direction
• How do different sized gears affect the moment of a force?

  Larger gears create a bigger moment
• Why does a longer gear turn slower than a smaller gear?

  Because the distance to the pivot is greater
• What is the relationship between gear size and rotation speed?

  Longer gears turn slower than smaller gears