In our homes, we often use simple tools that show how energy and work work together.
So, what is work?
Work is when energy is used to push or pull something over a distance.
You can think of work like this:
Work = Force × Distance × cos(angle)
Here, the angle is how the force is applied compared to the way the object is moving.
Lever: A lever helps you lift heavy things without using too much strength.
For example, imagine you’re using a lever to lift something that weighs 20 N (Newtons). If you push down with a force of 10 N at a distance of 2 meters from the middle point (the pivot), you can lift the load that’s 1 meter away from the pivot. This shows how energy is conserved because the work you put in equals the work you get out.
Pulley: A pulley is a tool that changes the direction of the force you use.
With a fixed pulley, you can lift an object by pulling down instead of lifting it straight up.
For instance, if you’re lifting something that weighs 100 N, a pulley can help you use less force because it gives you a mechanical advantage.
Wheel and Axle: This tool makes it easier to move heavy things around.
If you push down with a force of 50 N on a wheel that is 1 meter wide to move a cart, it lets you use less energy than if you were trying to pull the cart directly.
When you understand these tools, it helps you see how the principles of physics connect to the things we do every day.
In our homes, we often use simple tools that show how energy and work work together.
So, what is work?
Work is when energy is used to push or pull something over a distance.
You can think of work like this:
Work = Force × Distance × cos(angle)
Here, the angle is how the force is applied compared to the way the object is moving.
Lever: A lever helps you lift heavy things without using too much strength.
For example, imagine you’re using a lever to lift something that weighs 20 N (Newtons). If you push down with a force of 10 N at a distance of 2 meters from the middle point (the pivot), you can lift the load that’s 1 meter away from the pivot. This shows how energy is conserved because the work you put in equals the work you get out.
Pulley: A pulley is a tool that changes the direction of the force you use.
With a fixed pulley, you can lift an object by pulling down instead of lifting it straight up.
For instance, if you’re lifting something that weighs 100 N, a pulley can help you use less force because it gives you a mechanical advantage.
Wheel and Axle: This tool makes it easier to move heavy things around.
If you push down with a force of 50 N on a wheel that is 1 meter wide to move a cart, it lets you use less energy than if you were trying to pull the cart directly.
When you understand these tools, it helps you see how the principles of physics connect to the things we do every day.