PASCO ME-9502 Statics System - Manual (Page 79)

®
M o d e l N o . M E - 9 5 0 2 E x p . 1 2 : S i m p l e M a c h i n e s – T h e L e v e r
0 1 2 - 1 2 8 7 6 B 75
Data Table
Calculations
1. Calculate and record the work done on the system as you raised the Spring Scale, where Work = F
2
d
2
.
2. Calculate and record the change in potential energy of the Hanging Mass as it was raised in the Earth’s gravi-
tational field, where
E
potential
= M
1
g d
1
and g = 9.8 N/kg.
Questions
1. How did the work done on the system compare to the change in potential energy of the system?
2. How does a lever make it easier to perform work, such as raising a heavy load? Explain in terms of conserva-
tion of energy.
Extension
The type of lever that has the fulcrum between the load (hanging mass) and the applied force (Spring Scale) is
called a Class I Lever. A Class II Lever has the load between the fulcrum and the applied force, and the Class III
lever has the applied force between the fulcrum and the load.
Item Trial 1 Trial 2 Item Trial 1 Trial 2
Distance hanging mass moved, d
1
Mass of hanging mass, M
1
Distance Spring Scale moved, d
2
Weight of hanging mass, W
1
Force of Spring Scale, F
2
Trial Work Change of potential energy
1
2
Figure 12.4: Class II Lever
Applied
force
Load
L
cm
L
1
L
2
Fulcrum