What's covered
Key facts
Electronics and systems
A fuse protects a circuit by breaking (blowing) the connection when the current gets too high.
Mechanisms and motion
A cam converts rotary motion into reciprocating (up-and-down) motion.
Structures and forces
Compression is a force that pushes or squeezes a material.
Electronics and systems
An input component senses or supplies a signal to the system: for example a push switch or a sensor.
Mechanisms and motion
A first-class lever has the fulcrum between the effort and the load (for example a seesaw).
Structures and forces
Frame structures (such as scaffolding) generally use less material and are lighter than shell structures of the same size.
Electronics and systems
LDR stands for light-dependent resistor, a sensor whose resistance changes with light level.
Mechanisms and motion
The four types of motion are linear, rotary, reciprocating and oscillating.
Structures and forces
An I-beam is shaped to be strong against bending while saving material.
Electronics and systems
An LED only conducts and lights when current flows the correct way through it; it does not work the same in both directions.
Practice questions with answers
A taste of the 32 questions in this topic, answers marked. Sign up to practise the full set with spaced repetition.
What are the three parts of a system block diagram?
- ✓Input, process, output
- •Sensor, motor, light
- •Start, middle, end
- •Wire, battery, fuse
What is a mechanism?
- •A material used in engine production
- •A type of decorative paint or finish
- •A type of formal design drawing
- ✓Device that changes one motion into another
What is a structure?
- •A flat coloured drawing
- •A list of parts in a kit
- •Any moving mechanical mechanism
- ✓Something built to support a load
Which is an input component?
- •Buzzer or speaker
- •Electric motor
- •LED light bulb
- ✓Push switch or sensor
What are the four types of motion?
- •Hot, cold, fast, and slow movement
- ✓Linear, rotary, reciprocating, oscillating
- •Solid, liquid, gas, and plasma states
- •Up, down, left, and right directions
What is compression?
- •Force that bends material
- •Force that pulls or stretches
- ✓Force that pushes or squeezes
- •Force that twists an object
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