- #1
Infrasound
- 70
- 0
Here is something that has been bothering me for quite a while...
Growing up, I was always taught that a wheel and axle decreased effort by multiplying the input force. In other words, the axle actually exerts more force than the wheel, just over a shorter distance.
This makes sense and conserves overall work, yet I am not completely satisfied with my current level of understanding.
WHY does the axle exert more force? How did the force get multiplied? To me, the "because it is can be exerted over a shorter distance" holds no ground, becuase it does not explain the balancing of two opposite but unequal forces using a wheel and axle. If they are indeed balanced, then the force is not exerted over a distance.
Sometimes I feel as if I am the only one who just does not get it.
How does the force increase?
Growing up, I was always taught that a wheel and axle decreased effort by multiplying the input force. In other words, the axle actually exerts more force than the wheel, just over a shorter distance.
This makes sense and conserves overall work, yet I am not completely satisfied with my current level of understanding.
WHY does the axle exert more force? How did the force get multiplied? To me, the "because it is can be exerted over a shorter distance" holds no ground, becuase it does not explain the balancing of two opposite but unequal forces using a wheel and axle. If they are indeed balanced, then the force is not exerted over a distance.
Sometimes I feel as if I am the only one who just does not get it.
How does the force increase?