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The Wheel and Axle. What makes it a wheel and axle system?. The wheel must be fixed to the axle. One rotation of the wheel equals one rotation of the axle. If the wheel and axle are not fixed then you basically have a pulley system. Everyday examples of a wheel and axle system. A doorknob
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What makes it a wheel and axle system? • The wheel must be fixed to the axle. • One rotation of the wheel equals one rotation of the axle. • If the wheel and axle are not fixed then you basically have a pulley system.
Everyday examples of a wheel and axle system • A doorknob • Sprocket and shaft • Fishing reel • Carousel
Provides a simple way to obtain Mechanical Advantage (MA). The example to the right shows a simple system with an MA of 5:1. The radius of the wheel in this case is 5x the radius of the axle. What’s the point?
As with any system using MA, you give something to gain something. Here you are increasing the distance that you must turn to achieve one rotation of the axle, but you are increasing torque at the axle by the same ratio, thus making it “easier” to raise the bucket. Where’s the sacrifice?
