Simple machines are basic devices that change the direction or magnitude of a force, making work easier to perform. The six classic examples are the lever, wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge, screw, and pulley. These devices typically require less input force or allow the same work to be done with a longer distance or different direction of motion. Key points to know
- Purpose: They modify force or motion to accomplish tasks more efficiently.
- Work consistency: They do not reduce the total amount of work required; instead, they trade force for distance (or vice versa).
- Common definitions:
- Lever: A rigid bar turning about a fulcrum to lift or move loads.
- Wheel and axle: A wheel attached to a central hub (axle) that reduces friction and enables easier rolling.
- Inclined plane: A flat surface tilted so that a load moves upward with less effort over a greater distance.
- Wedge: A rotating or inclined tool that splits or divides objects.
- Screw: An inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder, converting rotational to linear motion.
- Pulley: A wheel with a groove that changes the direction of an applied force and can create a mechanical advantage.
- Real-world use: Machines often combine several simple machines to perform complex tasks, such as cranes (pulleys) or door hinges (levers and wedges).
If you’d like, I can tailor this into a quick study guide with definitions, diagrams, and example problems, or create a comparison table showing how each simple machine changes force and distance.
