General Physics (Simple Machines Exam)

10/19/2026

Lever, Wheel and Axle, Pulley, Inclined Plane, Wedge, and Screw

The 6 Archetypes of Force:

Fulcrum, Effort, and Load

Parts of a Lever

Fulcrum

It is the pivot

Effort

It is the force

Load

It is the weight

1st class

What class of lever is it when the fulcrum is in the middle

2nd class

What class of lever is it when the load is in the middle

3rd class

What class of lever is it when the effort is in the middle

Wheel and Axle

Turn the large wheel to rotate the small axle.

Pulley

A wheel + rope system. Changes the direction of force.

Fixed and movable pulley

2 kidns of pulleys

Fixed Pulley

Pulley stays still. Changes direction.

Movable Pulley

Pulley moves with load. Reduces effort

Inclined Plane

Less Force. Longer Distance.

Wedge

Two inclined planes joined together. Concentrates force to split, cut, or hold.

Screw

An inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. • Turns rotation into forward motion.

Stationary Plane

What kind of plane does a ramp contain?

Moving Plane

What kind of plane does a wedge contain?

Wrapped Plane

What kind of plane does a screw contain?

Complex Machines

These are made by combining simple machines.

Lever

A rigid bar that rotates around a fixed point to move a load using an applied force.

Fulcrum

The fixed point around which a lever rotates. Its position determines the class of the lever.

Effort

The force applied to a simple machine to make it work.

Load

The object or resistance that a simple machine is intended to move or overcome.

Pulley

A simple machine consisting of a grooved wheel and a rope, belt, or chain that can change the direction of an applied force

Inclined plane

A simple machine that uses a sloping surface to raise an object with less force over a longer distance.

Wheel and Axle

A rotating wheel attached to a rod or shaft; turning one causes the other to rotate, helping transmit or multiply force.

Wedge

A simple machine with a sharp edge that can split, cut, separate, or hold materials apart

Screw

An inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder, commonly used to fasten objects or lift them through rotation

Pulley

A simple machine made of a grooved wheel and a rope that is used to lift heavy objects by pulling downward on the rope.