Simple Machines Making work easier…. One simple machine at a time!

What is a Simple Machine?  A simple machine has few or no moving parts.  A simple machine is a machine with only one kind of movement.  Simple machines make work easier.  There is usually a trade off or “hidden cost” that comes with the reduction in effort.

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Levers  Levers have a rigid beam with a fulcrum and lever arm  Can you find 12 levers?  Placing the load near the fulcrum and the effort far from the fulcrum allows you the greatest mechanical advantage, but is there a hidden cost? You must lift the load a greater distance!

Pulleys  A pulley is made up of a rope or cable that is placed over a grooved wheel.  Can you find 4 pulleys?  Pulleys can provide a mechanical advantage, directional advantage, or both… but is there a trade off for requiring less effort? There is an increase in the distance the effort needs to travel & amount of rope Hidden cost: Distance

Inclined Planes  Inclined planes are flat surfaces that are higher on one end.  Can you find 6?  They reduce the effort needed to lift a load. The trade off for reduced effort is that the load needs to move a longer distance than if it were lifted straight up.

Screws  A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around an axis.  Can you find 7?  Screws can allow you to go a steep distance gradually, but is there a hidden cost? You must travel a greater distance!

Wedges  Wedges are made up of two inclined planes joined back to back. Wedges are used to split things.  Can you find 4?  Double wedge B has the greater mechanical advantage, is there a hidden cost? You will have to drive it in a greater distance in order to create the wedge! Double wedge B has the greater mechanical advantage.

Wheels and Axles  The axle is a rod that goes through the wheel which allows the wheel to turn  Can you find 8?  The larger the wheel, the greater the mechanical advantage. What could the hidden cost be? The larger the wheel, the greater the greater the distance it must travel.

Simple Machines  Simple Machines can be put together in different ways to make complex machinery.

Sum it up!  Typically, machines are intended to reduce the amount of force required to move an object.  There is always, however, a trade off. Distance!  Remember that simple machines make work easier….but we must still work!