Simple machines — KCSE Physics

KCSE Physics · 114 practice questions · 6 syllabus objectives

38 easy39 medium37 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Define mechanical advantage (MA), velocity ratio (VR) and efficiency for a machine; write the formulae

Calculate MA, VR and efficiency for levers, pulleys, inclined planes and wheel-and-axle systems

Explain why efficiency is always less than 100% and identify factors that reduce efficiency in machines

Define mechanical advantage, velocity ratio, and efficiency; solve problems involving simple machines

Apply the principle of moments to determine unknown forces and weights

Simple machines

Sample Questions

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1
easySHORT ANSWER2 marks

A uniform beam of length 4 m and weight 200 N is supported at one end. A 100 N load is placed 1 m from the free end. (a) Identify the point at which the beam will balance. (2 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks
The beam will balance at 2.67 m from the supported end (2 mks)
2
easySHORT ANSWER2 marks

State two reasons why the efficiency of a simple machine is always less than 100%. (2 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks
Friction between moving parts leads to energy loss (1 mk)
Deformation of materials during operation consumes energy (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

An inclined plane has a length of 5 m and a height of 2 m. Calculate the velocity ratio of the inclined plane. (3 marks)

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Part (a) — 3 marks
VR = Length of inclined plane / Height = 5 m / 2 m (1 mk)
VR = 2.5 (correct value) (1 mk)
Units correctly stated as dimensionless (1 mk)
4

A wheel-and-axle system is used to raise a load of 50 N with an effort of 10 N. Calculate the mechanical advantage of the system. (2 marks)

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