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Balancing with Cascading Levers: Mechanical Advantage in Action
In this multi‑layered assembly, each 30 cm “scale” acts as a first‑class lever: the pivot (paper‑clip hook) sits between the load (weights) and the effort (the hanging assembly). By shifting the pivot point off‑center, each lever creates a different mechanical advantage - the ratio of its effort arm to its load arm - so that a small weight on the long arm can balance a larger weight on the shorter arm.
When you hang the entire lower lever (with its own balanced weights) as the “load” on one side of the next lever up, you’re effectively stacking mechanical advantages. The upper lever only needs to supply enough effort to balance the combined weight below, reduced by its own lever ratio. Cascading these assemblies lets you use very small weights at the top hook to hold up a surprisingly heavy assembly at the bottom.
Materials
Materials
Paper Clips, S-Hooks, Weights, 30 cm Scales
Step 1: Attach paper clips to ends of scale
Step 1: Attach paper clips to ends of scale
Step 2: Using S-hooks or paper clips attach two unequal weights as shown
Step 2: Using S-hooks or paper clips attach two unequal weights as shown
Step 3: Find a balance point along the scale as shown.
Step 3: Find a balance point along the scale as shown.
Step 4: Attach another paper clip as shown to hang the assembly.
Step 4: Attach another paper clip as shown to hang the assembly.
Step 5: The same process can be repeated to add more scales & weights.
Step 5: The same process can be repeated to add more scales & weights.
Step 6: More levels can be added to the assembly. Each level balances the lower assembly with a single weight.
Step 6: More levels can be added to the assembly. Each level balances the lower assembly with a single weight.
Explanation:
Mechanical Advantage in Levers
Levers make it easier to lift or balance loads by using the principle of moments (torque). A lever consists of a fulcrum (pivot point), a load, and an effort. The key idea is that the turning effect (moment) on one side of the fulcrum must equal the turning effect on the other side for the lever to be balanced.
This is expressed by the equation:
Load × Load Arm = Effort × Effort Arm
Load = the weight or resistance to be moved
Load Arm = distance from load to fulcrum
Effort = the force applied
Effort Arm = distance from effort to fulcrum
This means if the effort arm is longer than the load arm, you can lift a heavier load with less force. So, by adjusting the lengths of the arms, you can multiply your force - just like using a long crowbar to lift something heavy.
Watch the video Detailed explanation of Simple Machines:
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