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Upgrade nowMechanical Principles
Read through the material below, then test your understanding.
Module Lessons
Scientific Principles
SI Units and Measurement
Properties of Solid Materials (Metals)
Properties of Solid Materials (Plastics & Ceramics)
Mechanical Properties
Corrosion of Metals
Other Forms of Corrosion
Degradation of Plastics
Properties of Liquids (Water)
Properties of Liquids (Others)
Properties of Gases
Temperature and Heat
States of Matter
Sensible and Latent Heat
Conduction and Convection
Radiation and Expansion
Energy, Heat, and Power Calculations
Velocity, Acceleration, and Flow Rate
Force and Pressure
Siphonic Action
Mechanical Principles
Forces in Action
Lesson Overview
Mechanical principles explain how simple machines amplify force to make heavy or awkward plumbing tasks manageable. They govern the operation of levers, pulleys, wheel-and-axle systems, screws, and moments of force.
Learning Objectives
Calculate mechanical advantage and understand the operation of first, second, and third class levers.
Explain how wheel-and-axle mechanisms, pulleys, and screws function as simple force multipliers in plumbing work.
Calculate the moments of a force (torque) and identify centres of gravity in plumbing components.
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