Simple machines that are used in Weapons

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of simple machines in weapons, exploring various examples and classifications of these machines within the context of weaponry. Participants examine both historical and conceptual applications, including mechanical principles involved in their operation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants identify the catapult as a first class lever that acts as a force multiplier.
  • Others mention the existence of third class catapults, such as the mangonel catapult.
  • One participant suggests that axes and blades can be classified as wedges.
  • Another claims that swinging a sword utilizes a lever as a speed multiplier.
  • A participant proposes that a rock or ram can be viewed as a simple machine, emphasizing the conversion of small force over a large distance to achieve a large force over a small distance upon impact.
  • Discussion includes the slingshot and bow and arrow as examples of stored energy conversion to kinetic energy.
  • One participant describes a pendulum mechanism involving a tree trunk suspended by vines, which could be triggered to swing down as a weapon.
  • A later reply raises the idea of simple machines used in historical torture devices, questioning whether they could be classified as weapons, particularly in a non-defensive context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the classification and examples of simple machines in weapons, with no consensus reached on specific definitions or categories.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on varying definitions of what constitutes a simple machine and the classification of weapons, which remains unresolved.

Antuntun
Do you know any weapons that use simple machines?
 
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Catapult uses a first class lever as a force multiplier.
 
There are third class catapults as well like the mangonel catapult
 
I would think axes and other blades could be thought of as a wedge.
 
When you swing a sword, you are using a lever as a speed multiplier.

I like to consider a rock (or a ram) as a simple machine -- propel it with a small force through a large distance and have it strike something with a large force through a small distance.
 
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Slingshot - stored energy conversion to kinetic ( bow and arrow too )
Pendulum - like when a tree trunk is suspended by vines ( ropes ) and as one walks by triggering the release for the truck to come swinging down.

A lot of simple machines in the torture chamber of yore to cause pain, suffering and confession. would that be a class of weapon? ie non-defensive.
 

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