Simple Machines
Considered to be the building blocks of machines that help people make their work easier.
Lever
Constructed from a beam attached to ground by a hinge or fulcrum; balances effort force and resistance force.
Wheel and Axle
A wheel with a rod, or axle, through its center; used to lift or move loads.
Inclined Plane
A slanting surface connecting a lower level to a higher level.
Pulley
A simple machine that uses grooved wheels and a rope to raise, lower or move a load.
Wedge
An object with at least one slanting side ending in a sharp edge, used to cut materials apart.
Screw
An inclined plane wrapped around a pole, used to hold things together or lift materials.
Hinge/Fulcrum
The point that balances the two forces in a lever.
Effort Force
The force applied to a lever to lift or move a load.
Resistance Force
The load that is being lifted or moved by a lever.
Distance Traveled
The distance a wheel moves in relation to the axle in a wheel and axle system.
Power Needed
The amount of force required to move a load using a wheel and axle.
Grooved Wheels
Wheels in a pulley system that guide the rope and help in moving loads.
Slanting Surface
The defining characteristic of an inclined plane.
Sharp Edge
The feature of a wedge that allows it to cut through materials.