Simple Machines

What is a Machine?

A tool that makes work easier.

What is a Compound Machine?

Two or more simple machines working together.

What is a Geometric Plane?

A flat surface that goes on forever in all directions.

What is an Inclined Plane?

A slanted surface that helps move things with less effort.

What is a Screw?

An inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder; used to hold or lift.

What is a Wedge?

A pointed tool that splits, cuts, or lifts objects.

What is a Lever?

A bar that pivots to lift or move a load.

What is a Fulcrum?

The point a lever turns on.

What is a First Class Lever?

Fulcrum is between the load and effort (e.g. seesaw).

What is a Second Class Lever?

Load is between fulcrum and effort (e.g. wheelbarrow).

What is a Third Class Lever?

Effort is between fulcrum and load (e.g. tweezers).

What is a Pulley?

A wheel with a rope used to lift loads.

What is a Single Pulley System?

One pulley; changes direction but not force.

What is a Double Pulley System?

Two pulleys; reduces the force needed to lift.

What is an Axle?

A rod that a wheel turns around.

What is a Belt?

A looped strip that transfers movement between wheels.

What is a Drive Belt?

A belt that connects a motor to a moving part.

What is a Conveyor Belt?

A belt that moves objects from one place to another.

What is a Gear?

A toothed wheel that turns other gears.

What is a Gear Train?

A group of gears working together.

What is Transmission?

A system of gears that controls speed and power.

What is a Driver (Gear)?

The gear that starts the movement.

What is an Input Gear?

The first gear that receives motion.

What is a Follower (Gear)?

The gear that is turned by another.

What is an Output Gear?

The last gear in a system that does the work.

What is an Idler gear?

A gear between two others that changes direction but not speed.

What are Simple machines?

Machines that have few or no moving parts and help us push, pull, lift, or lower things.

Who was Archimedes?

A Greek mathematician and inventor (around 200 BC) who studied simple machines and their power, known for inventions like the Archimedes screw and use of levers and pulleys.

What is Mechanical advantage?

Making work easier with less force.

What is a Wheel and Axle?

A wheel connected to a central axle; turns with less force.

What is a Wedge?

A piece of material (often metal or wood) that splits, cuts, or lifts.

What is a fulcrum in the context of levers?

The fixed point around which a lever rotates.

What are the three parts of a lever?

The three parts of a lever are fulcrum, load, and effort.

What does a chain act like on a bicycle?

It connects the gears, called sprockets, on a bicycle.

What is a crank?

The term for the pedal that turns the axle and gets the gears moving on a bicycle.