Wheel and Axle Important Questions

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The wheel and axle is a simple machine that consists of a wheel connected to a smaller axle that rotates together, transmitting force from one to the other.

  • The wheel and axle mechanism is like a lever, where the force applied to the wheel is tangential, and the load is applied to the axle, acting as the fulcrum.
  • The wheel and axle serve as essential machine components in increasing force.
  • The common examples of wheel and axle systems are Bicycle, Ferris Wheel, Analog clocks, Winch, Fan, etc.
  • Mechanical advantage (MA) is a measure of how much force a simple machine can amplify. 
  • It is defined as the ratio of the output force to the input force.

There are two types of wheel and axle machines

  • Machines where force is applied to the axle
  • Machines where force is applied to the wheel

Wheel and Axle System

Wheel and Axle System


Very Short Answers Questions [1 Mark Questions]

Ques. In a wheel and axle, to which component is the input force usually applied?

  1. Axle
  2. Wheel
  3. Both wheel and axle simultaneously
  4. Neither wheel nor axle

Ans. The correct answer is b. Wheel

Explanation: In a wheel and axle, the input force is usually applied to the wheel. The force applied to the wheel causes the wheel to rotate, and the rotation of the wheel is transferred to the axle, which generates the output force.

Ques. What happens to the mechanical advantage of a wheel and axle when the wheel's diameter is increased?

  1. Remains the same
  2. Decreases
  3. Increases
  4. Becomes zero

Ans. The correct answer is c. Increases

Explanation: The mechanical advantage of a wheel and axle is directly proportional to the ratio of the wheel's diameter to the axle's diameter. This means that as the wheel's diameter increases, the mechanical advantage also increases.

Ques. Which of the following is an example of a wheel and axle?

  1. A see-saw
  2. A fishing reel
  3. A screwdriver
  4. A door handle

Ans. The correct answer is b. A fishing reel

Explanation: A fishing reel is a device that winds and unwinds a fishing line using a wheel and axle system.

Ques. Which one uses Wheels and Axles?

  1. Pencil Sharpener
  2. Pencil
  3. Computer
  4. Door

Ans. The correct answer is a. Pencil Sharpener

Explanation: A pencil sharpener rotates the blade and sharpens the pencil using wheels and axles. The wheels and axles allow for easy rotation and movement of the blade, allowing it to easily shave the wood off the pencil and generate a sharp tip.

Ques. How many parts do a Wheel and Axle have?

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 4
  4. 9

Ans. The correct answer is b. 2

Explanation: A wheel and axle are made up of two parts: the wheel (a circular device that spins around an axle), and the axle (a cylindrical rod). The axle and wheel work together to deliver force and motion.

Ques. How does a wheel and axle help in lifting heavy loads?

  1. It changes the direction of the force.
  2. It makes the load lighter.
  3. It reduces the amount of work required.
  4. It increases the weight of the load.

Ans. The correct answer is c. It reduces the amount of work required.

Explanation: The wheel and axle is a simple machine that makes it easier to lift heavy loads by reducing the amount of force required.

Ques. Which part of a car functions as a wheel and axle?

  1. Engine
  2. Brake pads
  3. Steering wheel
  4. Wheels

Ans. The correct answer is d. Wheels

Explanation: The wheels of a car function as a wheel and axle system. The wheel is the rotating part that makes contact with the road, and the axle is the fixed shaft that the wheel rotates on.

Ques. In a wheel and axle, if the axle turns one complete revolution, how many revolutions will the wheel turn?

  1. Half
  2. One
  3. It depends on the direction of force applied.
  4. It depends on the size of the wheel and axle.

Ans. The correct answer is b. One

Explanation: In a wheel and axle system, the wheel and axle are rigidly connected, meaning they rotate together. If the axle turns one complete revolution, the wheel will also turn one complete revolution.

Ques. What is used to help flatten dough that has Wheels and Axles?

  1. Windmill
  2. Rotary Dial Telephone
  3. Record Player
  4. Rolling Pin

Ans. The correct answer is d. Rolling Pin

Explanation: A rolling pin is used to help flatten dough because it has wheels and axles. The wheels on the rolling pin allow it to roll easily over the dough, while the axles give stability and control. 

Ques. Which part of a bicycle functions as a wheel and axle?

  1. Wheels
  2. Pedals
  3. Frame
  4. Handlebars

Ans. The correct answer is a. Wheels

Explanation: The wheels of the bicycle function as a wheel and axle


Short Answers Questions [2 Marks Questions]

Ques. What is the wheel and axle?

Ans. The wheel and axle is a basic machine that consists of a wheel attached to an axle such that the two parts move together and a mechanical force is transmitted from one portion to the other.

Ques. How do the wheel and axle act as speed multipliers?

Ans. Large forces acting on the axle cause the wheel to move quickly, forcing an automobile to speed up quickly. Hence the wheel and axle function as speed multipliers.

Ques. What is a simple machine?

Ans. A simple machine is any device that has some or no moving parts and is used to regulate motion and force magnitude in order to perform work. They are the most fundamental systems known that can employ mechanical advantage or leverage to increase force.

Ques. What is an ideal simple machine?

Ans. In an ideal simple machine, energy remains constant within the system, eliminating energy loss due to deformation, wear, or friction. Consequently, the power output from the machine matches the power input. This mechanical advantage can be determined by analyzing its geometrical proportions.

Ques. What are the main types of simple machines?

Ans. The main simple machines are the wheel and axle, pulley, lever, wedge, screw, and inclined plane.

Ques. Give one of the earliest applications of the wheel.

Ans. The potter's wheel, used by prehistoric civilizations to create clay pots, was one of the earliest uses of the wheel. The first version, known as slow wheels, was popular in the Middle East beginning in the fifth millennium BCE.

Ques. What are the functions of wheel and axle?

Ans. The wheel and axle function by rotating the wheel around an axle or fulcrum to move objects horizontally, or by hanging a rope across a wheel for lifting bodies.

Ques. How do the wheel and axle act as force multipliers?

Ans. Applying a small force to the wheel of a wheel and axle system causes the wheel to move a greater distance, resulting in a larger force being generated at the axle. This, in turn, causes the axle to rotate over a shorter distance. This principle is exemplified in windmills, where the wind's force is amplified through the wheel and axle mechanism to rotate the blades and generate power.

Ques. Explain the fundamental mechanism of simple machines.

Ans. A simple machine works with a single force against a single load force. When the frictional force is removed, the work done on the load equals the work done by the applied force. The machine can increase the output force by a corresponding reduction in the distance displaced by the load. The ratio of the output force to the exerted force is known as the mechanical advantage.

Also Read:


Long Answers Questions [3 Marks Questions]

Ques. How does the mechanical advantage of a wheel and axle relate to the size of the wheel and axle?

Ans. The mechanical advantage (MA) of a wheel and axle is directly proportional to the ratio of the diameter of the wheel to the diameter of the axle. Therefore when the diameter of the wheel increases, the mechanical advantage also increases. In other words, a larger wheel will make it easier to lift a heavy load.

Mathematically, the mechanical advantage of a wheel and axle is given by

MA = (Diameter of the wheel)/(Diameter of the axle)

For example, if a wheel is 10 inches in diameter and the axle is 2 inches in diameter, the mechanical advantage is 5. This indicates that the wheel and axle will make lifting a load 5 times easier.

Ques. What are the types of Wheel and Axle machines?

Ans. Wheel and axle machines are divided into two types based on where the force is applied:

  • Machines where force is applied to the axle: In this type of wheel and axle machine, the effort or force is supplied to the axle, causing the wheel to rotate rapidly. The motion initiated by the axle is therefore transmitted to the wheel. Bicycles, Ferris wheels, and other similar real-world applications make use of this type of wheel and axle simple machine.
  • Machines where force is applied to the wheel: The effort or force is supplied to the wheel in these devices, causing it to rotate. The motion of the simple machine is started by the wheel, which exerts tremendous pressure on the axle. Pizza cutters, windmills, drill machines, and other similar machinery are examples of such machines.

Ques. Determine the mechanical advantage of the load 100 N, while the required force to lift it is 20 N.

Ans. Given

  • The weight of the load, W = 100 N
  • The force required to lift, F = 20 N

The mechanical advantage of a simple machine is given by the formula

MA = W/F

On substituting the values, we get

MA = 100/20

⇒ MA = 5


Very Long Answers Questions [5 Marks Questions]

Ques. What are the examples of wheel and axle machines?

Ans. The following are the examples of wheel and axle machines

  • Bicycle: A bicycle consists of a wheel and axle configuration that allows it to move forward. The force provided to the axle starts motion and causes the cycle's wheels to move.
  • Car Tires: The tires of a car move forward or turn to either side with the support of an axle. When the car's engine produces a force on the axle, the wheels tend to move or rotate in accordance.
  • Ferris Wheel: Imagine a giant wheel spinning in a circular motion at an amusement park. This wheel, known as a Ferris wheel, turns around a central rod called an axle. The axle receives a powerful electric force, allowing the Ferris wheel to rotate smoothly.
  • Electric fan: The blades or wings of a fan are attached to a central piece called a hub. The hub is connected to a motor, which provides the fan's power. The motor's force turns the hub, which in turn spins the fan blades. In this way, the fan serves as an example of a wheel and axle system.
  • Windmill: A windmill has spinning blades attached to a tall pole. The top of the pole acts as the axle, around which the blades rotate. When strong winds blow, they push the blades, which in turn exert a lot of force on the axle. This makes a windmill a clear example of a wheel and axle machine.

Ques. A wheel and axle are used to raise a weight of 240 kg. The radius of the wheel is 50 cm and the axle is 10 cm. When a force of 75 kg is applied to the wheel, the weight is raised with a uniform velocity. Find the mechanical advantage and velocity ratio.

Ans. Given

  • Weight of the load, W = 240 kg
  • The radius of the wheel, R = 50 cm
  • The radius of the axle, r = 10 cm
  • Applied force (Effort) = 75 kg

The mechanical advantage of a simple machine is given by the ratio of the load to effort i.e.

MA = Load/Effort

On substituting the values, we get

MA = 240/75

⇒ MA = 3.2

Velocity ratio is given by the ratio of the radius of the wheel to the radius of the axle i.e.

VR = R/r

On substituting the values, we get

VR = 50/10

⇒ VR = 5

Ques. A machine has a velocity ratio of 4. It is used to raise a load of 200 N by 4 m using an effort of 20 kgf. Find the work done on the machine. Take g = 10 m/s2

Ans. Given

  • Velocity ratio of the machine, VR = 4
  • Displacement, D = 4 m
  • Load, L = 200 N
  • Effort = 20 kgf = 20 x 10 = 200 N

Work done by the machine, W = Load x Displacement

⇒ W = 200 x 4 = 800 J

Mechanical advantage, MA = Load/Effort

⇒ MA = 200/200 = 1

Efficiency = MA/VR

⇒ Efficiency = 1/4 = 0.25

Percentage efficiency = 0.25 x 100% = 25%

Work done on the machine, W’ = (Work done by the machine)/(Efficiency)

⇒ W’ = 800/0.25 = 3200 J


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