New
New
Year 11
Cams and pulleys
I can describe the function of cams and pulleys using specific examples.
New
New
Year 11
Cams and pulleys
I can describe the function of cams and pulleys using specific examples.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Cams are used in mechanisms to change the direction of motion.
- Pulleys transmit rotary motion.
Keywords
Cam - a mechanical component that converts rotary motion into linear motion
Follower - a part of a machine that moves up and down or back and forth when it touches a cam
Friction - resistance which is encountered when two things rub together
Pulley - a grooved wheel over which a belt can run
Common misconception
The larger the diameter of a pulley wheel, the higher the output speed.
The smaller the pulley wheel, the quicker it will complete a rotation, therefore increasing the output speed.
Would be lovely to build your own/student examples out of scrap materials or toy bricks. Look around your classroom, what do you have in your workshop that could be examples of cams and pulleys? Lifting the top off the pillar drill when it is isolated from electricity can demonstrate pulleys.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
A bike wheel turning around is an example of which type of motion?
linear
reciprocating
oscillating
Q2.
Tweezers are an example of which type of lever?
first order lever
second order lever
Q3.
Increasing the length of the handles would make it to cut through a piece of fabric.
Q4.
The distance from one side of a circle to the other going through the centre, is known as the ...
Q5.
What does a simple cam do when it turns?
It stores energy.
It keeps parts in one place.
Q6.
Why would you use a pulley in a machine?
to make the machine look nicer
to reduce the weight of the machine
Exit quiz
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5 Questions
Q1.
This is the inside of a pillar drill. The yellow rings in the centre right, are examples of a ...
belt
cam
follower
motor
Q2.
The motion of the follower using a __________ shaped cam gradually rises and then suddenly falls.
pear
eccentric
Q3.
Rotary motion in cams is changed into which motion in followers?
linear
oscillating
Q4.
Match the motion to the product:
car driving along a road
sewing machine needle
ferris wheel
swing
Q5.
occurs when two things rub together.