SIMPLE-MACHINE

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.