Simple Machines 14.4

Simple Machines The most basic of all machines are called simple machines. There are six types of simple machines. These six machines are divided into two families: The Lever Family The Inclined Plane Family

6 Simple Machines Lever Inclined Plane Pulley Wedge Wheel and Axle Screw

Lever, Pulley, Wheel and Axle The Lever Family Lever, Pulley, Wheel and Axle

Lever Levers are divided into three classes. All levers have a fulcrum, point of input force, and point of output force. The location of these three things determines which class lever you have. The fulcrum is where the bar rotates.

First-Class Lever In a first-class lever the fulcrum is in the middle. Examples: Seesaw Scissors Tongs

Second-Class Lever In a second-class lever the Output Force is located in the middle. Examples: Wheelbarrow Nutcracker Nail Clippers

Third-Class Lever In a third-class lever the Input Force is located in the middle. Examples: Baseball Bat Broom Door Tweezers

Pulley A pulley can be used to lift a heavy load. It consists of a rope that fits into a groove in a wheel.

Wheel and Axle A wheel and axle is just a wheel attached to an axle. Example: Steering Wheel Screwdriver

Inclined Plane, Wedge, Screw Inclined Plane Family Inclined Plane, Wedge, Screw

Inclined Plane An inclined plane is a slanted surface used to move an object to a different height. Example: Ramp

Wedge A wedge is a V- shaped object. Example: Ax Knife Zipper

Screw A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. Examples: Screw Nuts

Compound Machine A compound machine is a machine that is made of more than one simple machine.