The Six Simple Machines
What is a simple machine?
A simple machine is a device that has a specific movement that can be combined with other devices and movements to form a machine. There are six simple machines.
Wheel and Axle
The wheel and axle is a wheel attached to an axle that rotates to transmit a force from one to the other. An example of a wheel and axle would be a door knob. When you twist the knob (the wheel) it rotates the spindle (the axle) which moves the latch.
Pulley
The pulley is a wheel on an axle that is designed to support movement and change of direction of a cable or belt along its circumference. An example of a pulley would be a Block and tackle. A block and tackle is a set of pulleys that rotate on the same axle to lift a load.
Lever
The lever is a machine consisting a beam pivoted at a fixed hinge or fulcrum. An example of a lever would be a class 1 lever. A class 1 lever is when the fulcrum is in the middle of the beam and the effort is applied on one side of the fulcrum and the load is on the other.
Screw
The screw is a type of fastener that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together. An example of a screw would be a nut and bolt. When you screw in the bolt through an object, you screw on a nut at the end of the bolt to secure it in place.
Inclined Plane
The inclined plane is a flat surface tilted at an angle with one side higher than the other, used to aid in raising or lowering a load. An example of an inclined plane would be a wheel chair ramp. The ramp is placed so the wheel chair can roll up or down the ramp above the stairs.
Wedge
The wedge is a triangular shaped tool that can be used to separate two objects, lift up and object or hold it in place. An example of a wedge would be a doorstop. The doorstop is wedged in front or behind a door and keeps the door from opening.