This key facts covers Levers and Gears within Moments & Levers for GCSE Physics. Revise Moments & Levers in Forces for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 10 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 6 of 14 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🔧 Levers and Gears
Levers:
- A lever is a simple machine that multiplies force
- Consists of a rigid bar and a pivot (fulcrum)
- Applying a small force far from the pivot can lift a large load near the pivot
- Examples: crowbar, wheelbarrow, scissors, bottle opener, see-saw
Gears:
- Gears are interlocking toothed wheels that transmit rotational force
- A large gear turning a small gear = speed increase
- A small gear turning a large gear = force increase (but slower)
- Examples: bicycle gears, car gearbox, clocks
Practice questions for Moments & Levers
What is a moment?
State the principle of moments.
Quick recall flashcards
Key Concepts
Unit: Newton metres (Nm)
Key Concepts
A moment is the turning effect of a force