CK-12 Physical Science - For Middle School

http://www.ck12.org Chapter 16. Work and Machines

FIGURE 16.9

Both of these machines increase the dis-

tance over which force applied, while re-

ducing the strength of the force.

Changing the Direction of Force

Some machines change the direction of the force applied by the user. They may or may not also change the strength
of the force or the distance over which it is applied. Two examples of machines that work in this way are claw
hammers and the rope systems (pulleys) that raise or lower flags on flagpoles. Figure16.10 explains how these
machines work. In each case, the direction of the force applied by the user is reversed by the machine. How does
this make it easier to do the job?

FIGURE 16.10

Both of these machines change the direction over which force is applied. The claw hammer also increases the

strength of the force.