Mechanical Devices and Simple Machines

These flashcards cover vocabulary related to mechanical devices and simple machines, providing definitions to aid in understanding key concepts.

Machine

Any device that changes the amount of force you have to use to get something done.

Compound Machine

A combination of different simple machines working together.

Geometric Plane

A flat surface.

Inclined Plane

A flat surface whose ends are at different heights.

Lever

A bar that goes up and down on a point.

Screw

An inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder or cone.

Fulcrum

The point the lever goes up and down on.

First Class Lever

Has the fulcrum in the middle.

Wedge

A simple machine used to push things apart; generally triangular.

Second Class Lever

Has the load between the fulcrum and the force.

Third Class Lever

Has the force between the fulcrum and the load.

Pulley

A simple machine that lets you pull a rope, chain, or wire to lift something.

Gear

A wheel that has teeth along its edge.

Single Pulley System

Has one wheel.

Gear Train/Transmission

A series of intermeshing gears.

Double Pulley System

Has two wheels connected: one to the load and one to a supporting object.

Driver/Input Gear

The first gear in a gear train.

Follower/Output Gear

The last gear in a gear train.

Idler Gear

A third wheel in a gear train.

Axle

A rigid bar put through a hole in the wheel.

Belt

A circular band made of rubber.

Drive Belt

A belt with more than one wheel that it turns.

Conveyor Belt

One or more wheels on a flat belt.