Simple Machines

General Information  Simple machines are tools that make work easier.  Simple machines have few or no moving parts.  Simple machines use energy to work. Click on the link below the picture to see types of simple machines Inclined Plane Lever Pulley Screw Wedge Wheel and Axle Works Cited

Inclined Planes A flat surface which is elevated at one end. The angle formed between the ground and the flat surface cannot be ninety degrees. Inclined planes are used to move objects from lower surfaces to higher surfaces or vice versa. Examples

Examples of Inclined Planes Ramp Stairs Slide Path up Hill Slanted Road Menu

Levers Levers were one of the first simple machines. They were thought of by Archimedes in 260 BC. Levers involve moving a load about a fulcrum (center point). There are three types: first class, second class, third class. Levers Continued

Levers First class levers: fulcrum is between the load and the force. Ex. See-saw, scissors, pliers Second class levers: load is between the force and the fulcrum. Ex. Stapler, wheelbarrow, nutcracker Third class levers: force is between the load and the fulcrum. Ex. Fishing rod, tweezers, tongs Menu

Pulleys A pulley is used to reverse the direction of a force. When pulleys are put together and a pulley system is made, heavy objects are able to be lifted with less force. A pulley is made with a wheel that has a groove in its edge. The rope is put around the groove to move the pulley. Examples

Flag Pole Crane Window Blinds Wishing Wells Examples of Pulleys Menu

Screw A screw is a shaft or a cylinder with an inclined plane wrapped around it. In order to move a screw or an object surrounding the screw, the screw must be rotated. Examples

Examples of Screws Menu

Wheel and Axle A wheel and axle consists of wheels which are connected by a smaller cylinder, an axel. It takes a great deal of force to move the axel, but when the axel is moved the wheels turn a greater distance than the axel. Examples

Examples of a Wheel and Axle Menu

Wedge A wedge is used to cut objects or to get under a heavy load. A wedge is made of two inclined planes put together. A wedge acts as a right angle in a splitting motion when forced upon the object. Examples

Examples of a Wedge Axe Zipper Knife Menu

Works Cited