Simple Machines: Gears

REGULAR GEAR

Concepts Conveyed:

• Gears can convert translational motion into rotational motion and vice versa.

Instructions / Notes:

• Experiment 1: Rotational motion turns into translational motion
  • Position the gear at the end of the post where the last tooth is located.
  • 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
  • Position the gear in the middle of the post.
  • 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:

• Complex machines consist of simple machines that convert energy to do work
  • The amount of work done depends on the amount of energy present
• Mechanical Advantage: A way of measuring how much easier it is to do work or how much less force is required.
  • Wheels & axles: increase mechanical advantage by covering a larger area using force; the larger the wheel the greater the mechanical advantage

Instructions / Notes:

• Use the hand crank to turn the first gear clockwise
• Notice the direction of rotation of both follower gears

Photos of the demo used at the University of Texas at Austin

Last updated on March 21, 2024