PIRA 1Q70.10 Simple Machines: Gears
REGULAR GEAR
Concepts Conveyed:
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Gears can convert translational motion into rotational motion and vice versa.
Instructions / Notes:
- Experiment 1: Rotational motion turns into translational motion
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Position the gear at the end of the post where the last tooth is located.
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Rotate the gear to demonstrate translational motion occurring with the post; you
can rotate the gear left or right however you see fit.
- Experiment 2: Translational motion turns into rotational motion
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Position the gear in the middle of the post.
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Move the post left to right to show the gear rotation about the post; you can also
see that as you move the post from left to right, the gear rotates counterclockwise.
GEAR TRAIN
Concepts Conveyed:
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Complex machines consist of simple machines that convert energy to do work
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The amount of work done depends on the amount of energy present
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Mechanical Advantage: A way of measuring how much easier it is to do work or how
much less force is required.
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Wheels & axles: increase mechanical advantage by covering a larger area using
force; the larger the wheel the greater the mechanical advantage
Instructions / Notes:
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Use the hand crank to turn the first gear clockwise
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Notice the direction of rotation of both follower gears
Photos of the demo used at the University of Texas at Austin
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