Lever and Archimedes Essay

Submitted By Luca521
Words: 1023
Pages: 5
Open Document
Archimedes
Hypothesis: Is Archimedes one of the greatest minds of classical antiquity?
Archimedes, born 287 BC in Syracuse, Sicily, is widely regarded as a historic genius, but why is that? Archimedes did work in various fields of mathematics and science which truly excelled the ideas and minds of those around him, not only did Archimedes excel in the theoretical field of work but he was also renowned for his inventions and breakthroughs with mechanical devices. Archimedes has gone down as one of three greatest mathematicians of all time, alongside Isaac Newton (English 1643-1727) and Carl Friedrich Gauss (German 1777-1855).
Lever: Archimedes was fascinated on how levers worked. How could such a small force move such a large object? After many years of research Archimedes had discovered how a lever worked and the parts of the lever. The three parts: The fulcrum, the lever and the two weights. His final conclusion was “the ratio of the weight moved to the weight moving it is the inverse ratio of the distances from the centre”. This means that if you get a ratio of weight to distance, the amount needed to move the larger weight is the inverse of the smaller one. This discovery was vital to every mechanical device that ever has been or will be used.
Archimedes Screw: The Archimedes screw is a hollow tube which contained a spiral that could be continuously turned. Irrigation in the ancient times was a laborious task involving buckets and heavy labour. With the invention of the Archimedes screw transporting water had become a faster and less intense job. This increase in efficiency provided healthier crops with higher yield. The Archimedes screw was said to be invented after a king had problems of ships taking in water and being too difficult to bail.
Archimedes Death Ray: A myth exists of Archimedes designing and built a ray that could repel. It is debated how he did this. The two methods believed to be most accurate include a large hexagonal frame with mirrors which were adjustable to make the focal point targeted at the ships. The other, less glamorous way, were hundreds of troops each being given a mirror and being told to aim at each of the Greek invading ships. The story, however, is greatly regarded as myth. This recount tells the story of the Death Ray “Afterwards, when the beams were reflected in the mirror, a fearful kindling of fire was raised in the ships, and at the distance of a bow-shot he turned them into ashes” by John Tzetzes (circa twelfth century AD) Book II, Lines 118-128.
Archimedes Claw: Around the age of Archimedes Greece was being sieged by sea continuously. Luckily they had the father of mechanical maths on their side. Once again Archimedes aided his a claw. The hook was launched by mean of transferal of kinetic energy and was aimed behind the enemy country with another ingenious invention. The new invention was a mixture of a trebuchet and ships. As a group of men used a system of pullies to attach to hole to the hull of the ship which was made for oars. The pullies enabled a small group of men to capsize a large ship. This was another revolutionary thought that changed the military conclusion of the battle.

Work on Hydrostatics: Archimedes made his famous quote “Eureka” while working on hydrostatics, a field of science. Archimedes was faced by King Hierro II. He had a suspicion that his crown was not only gold, but also a mixture of silver, which was not acceptable. The king gave Archimedes the task of solving this problem. How could he do such a thing? One day while bathing, Archimedes sunk into his tub and noticed that the water level was raised when he submerged himself. Further study lead to the discovery of the Archimedes principle. This principle stated that the amount of water displaced (in mL) is equal to the amount of weight lost (in grams). Archimedes found the volume of the crown and weight in grams. By dividing the weight of
Show More

Related Documents: Lever and Archimedes Essay

How Did Archimedes Contribute To Science

Archimedes contributed a lot to science, especially some of his studies in astronomy and the centers of gravity and he made inventions that we use today like the lever. Astronomy was one of Archimedes main studies. Gravity was a mystery to him so he wanted to figure it out. The lever is one of his most famous inventions. His discoveries make a difference in our everyday lives. Ever since Archimedes was a boy he was very fascinated by astronomy. The astronomers in those days only had their and…

Words 516 - Pages 3

Essay about Lmao: Archimedes Palimpsest

Archimedes of Syracuse was a Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer. Although few details of his life are known, he is regarded as one of the leading scientists in classical antiquity. Among his advances in physics are the foundations of hydrostatics, statics and an explanation of the principle of the lever. He is credited with designing innovative machines, including siege engines and the screw pump that bears his name. Modern experiments have tested claims that Archimedes…

Words 1980 - Pages 8

Accomplishments Of Archimedes In The 3rd Century BC

job was as a mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, philosopher, and astronomer. Some notable accomplishment and achievements in the 3rd Century BC are listed below: invented the science of mechanics and hydrostatics discovered the laws of levers and pulleys, which allows us to move heavy objects using small forces invented one of the most fundamental concepts of physics ( the center of gravity ) calculated Pi to the most precise value known. His upper limit for Pi was the fraction 22/7. This…

Words 354 - Pages 2

Essay about How Levers Are Used in a Crane/Basic Info on Levers

What is a Lever? A lever is a simple machine consisting of a beam positioned on a fixed point (the fulcrum) and used to transmit force, as in raising or moving a weight at one end by pushing down on the other. The Boom of a Crane A boom (arm) or mounts its movable platform. Pulleys and levers help to raise the boom to lift or drop objects. Generally a hook suspends from the boom. Where are the Levers used in and throughout the Crane? Most cranes utilize the lever to lift exceptionally large…

Words 622 - Pages 3

Greece Thematic Essay

Greece: Thematic Essay Alexander the great was a great conqueror, who was able to conquer many territories and it turn gather all of its riches. He was able to conquer territory from Greece all the way to the border of India forming the Hellenistic civilization. Alexander was one of the most feared/greatest conquerors of all time and was able to spread Greek culture through all the territories he conquered and in turn he accepted some of the culture of the civilizations he conquered. Alexander…

Words 673 - Pages 3

Nikola Tesla Essay

Poem, "Fragments of Olympian Gossip" While listening on my cosmic phone I caught words from the Olympus blown. A newcomer was shown around; That much I could guess, aided by sound. "There's Archimedes with his lever Still busy on problems as ever. Says: matter and force are transmutable And wrong the laws you thought immutable." "Below, on Earth, they work at full blast And news are coming in thick and fast. The latest tells of a cosmic gun. To be pelted is very poor fun. We are wary…

Words 2941 - Pages 12