Year 11 - Design and technology
Levers and linkages
Core principles
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will develop core principles knowledge with an explicit focus on exam technique.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe the function of levers and linkages using specific examples.
Key Notes
- Levers move an input force around a fulcrum by mechanical advantage to an output force.
- Linkages move a force and can change direction of the force.
Vocabulary To Learn
- fulcrum: a fixed pivot point
- effort: input force
- load: output force
- mechanical advantage (MA): to make moving or lifting something easier
- linkages: a set of levers joined together to transfer and control motion
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The only way to gain MA is by increasing the input force.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Levers move an input force around a fulcrum by mechanical advantage to an output force. Linkages move a force and can change direction of the force.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'fulcrum'
a fixed pivot point.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: The only way to gain MA is by increasing the input force. Correction: MA can be increased by increasing the distance from the fulcrum and the effort. For example, increasing the arm length on the handle of a flat head screwdriver when opening a can of paint.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Cams and pulleys Study Guide
- Electronic systems Study Guide
- Energy and the impact on designs Study Guide
- Energy generation and storage Study Guide
- Gears Study Guide
- Material categories Study Guide
- Modern materials Study Guide
- New and emerging technologies Study Guide
- New and emerging technologies informing design decisions Study Guide
- Programmable systems Study Guide
- Smart materials Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 11 Design and technology guide library.