Simple and Compound Machines

Vocabulary flashcards covering simple and compound machines, types of motion, parts of a lever, and machine efficiency based on General Science 11 lecture notes.

Machine

Any device that helps people perform work by changing the magnitude or direction of a force.

Force

A push or pull applied to an object.

Work (in Physics)

Condition that is accomplished only when an applied force causes an object to move.

Translational Motion

Straight-line movement of an object.

Rotational Motion

Movement of an object around an axis.

Simple Machine

A basic mechanical device that changes the direction or amount of force applied.

Inclined Plane

A flat surface set at an angle used to raise or lower objects, reducing effort by increasing movement distance.

Screw

A simple machine consisting of an inclined plane wrapped around a cylindrical shaft, forming helical grooves or ridges.

Threads

The helical grooves or ridges formed on the shaft of a screw.

Wedge

A simple machine made by joining two inclined planes back to back, forming a sharp edge that converts applied force into forces that cut, split, pierce, or hold objects.

Lever

A simple machine consisting of a rigid bar that pivots on a fixed point called a fulcrum.

Beam

A plank made of wood or metal that forms the structural bar of a lever.

Fulcrum

The pivot point about which the beam of a lever rests and moves freely, also known as the lever's turning point.

Load

The object on the beam that a lever tries to move or lift.

Pulley

A simple machine with a grooved wheel and a rope or cable that makes lifting easier by changing force direction or reducing effort.

Wheel and Axle

A simple machine made of a large wheel attached to a smaller axle that rotate together to make moving or lifting loads easier.

Compound Machine

A machine made of two or more simple machines working together to make work easier and more efficient by transferring motion.

Wheelbarrow

A compound machine combining a lever (handles) and a wheel and axle to transport materials.

Bicycle

A compound machine that combines wheel and axles, levers, screws, and a gear-and-chain system to transfer motion.

Corkscrew

A compound machine combining a screw and two levers to pierce and pull a cork out of a bottle.

Scissors

A compound machine combining two levers and two wedges (blades) used for cutting materials.

Machine Efficiency

A measure of machine performance that is lower in compound machines due to friction from multiple moving parts losing energy as heat.