SIMPLE MACHINE

SIMPLE MACHINE

A machine is a tool used to make work easier. Simple machines are simple tools used to make work easier. Compound machines have two or more simple machines working together to make work easier.

There are six basic types of simple machines:

1. Wheel & axle

Wheels and axles are used to carry loads around easily, for long distances with very less effort.

            

2. Pulley

A pulley consists of a wheel with a groove around it. A rope can be passed through the groove. A pulley makes our work easy by changing the direction of the force applied. Instead of pulling the load up you are now pulling the rope downwards. It is always easy to pull down than to pull up.

 

3. Lever

Levers can help lift a heavy weight with much less effort. A lever consists of a rod, which balances on a fixed point. The heavy object that has to be moved or lifted is called the “Load” - the point at which the rod is fixed is called the “Fulcrum”.

  

 

4. Inclined plane

                

An inclined plane can be defined as a tool that helps move heavy objects from a high place to low place and low place to high place. Inclined planes also move things quickly.

 

5.  A wedge

A wedge is basically a moving inclined plane. It is a hunk of strong material thick at one end and thin at the other. Chisels, axes, knives and doorstops are all wedges

6. Screw

A screw is a pointed nail with grooves in it.