Simple Machines

Simple Machine

Tools that make work easier by allowing us to push or pull over increased distances. They give us the advantage by changing the amount, speed, or direction of forces.

6 Simple Machines

lever, pulley, screw, wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge

friction

Force that acts in the opposite direction to the way an object wants to move.

force

A push or pull on an object.

wedge

A simple machine that is wide at one end and pointed at the other to help cut or split other objects.

wheel and axel

a disk that turns around axis and transfers force to and from an axle

lever

A stiff bar that moves about a fixed point (fulcrum).

work

The transfer of energy that occurs when a force makes an object move. Work (W)=Force (F) x Distance (D)

effort

The force needed to move a load. Also called applied force or input force.

fulcrum

The fixed point around which a lever pivots

pulley

Pulley are wheels and axles with a groove around the outside

screw

A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a shaft or cylinder

inclined plane

An inclined plane is a flat surface that is higher on one end

compound machine

A combination of two or more simple machines.

incline plane family members

Ramp, Wedge, Screw

lever family members

Lever, Wheel & Axle, Pulley