Construction of Hydraulicus

The complete model. Click to see a 120kb movie.

The complete model click to see it in action
Click to see an activity with the finished hydraulicus.

Evaluate hydraulicus.

Ask the questions:
Is each syringe in the right place to exert maximum force and rotate the levers through a maximim distance?
Can any modifications be made to improve the performance of hydraulicus?
Can the jaws be modified to scoop smaller objects?
Can the turning mechanism be improved? Click here for information on improvements to the turning mechanism.

What type of lever forms the jaw?

.

What type of lever moves the arm up and down?

 

Three important features of the lever that form the arm are shown on the left. Correctly label each.

A is the

B is the

C is the

Discuss why the syringe does not work well when filled with air? Click for a hint.

Is the lever that forms the arm designed to maximise force or distance?

Exercises

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