Simple Machines
Introduction Simple machines are machines with few or no moving parts. Simple machines will be our next Science unit.
Kinds of Simple Machines We will be learning about the six simple machines. They are: 1. Lever 2. Inclined Plane 3. Wedge 4. Screw 5. Wheel and Axle 6. Pulley
Energy and Work Suppose you needed to move an object. You might use tools to help you. Simple machines are tools that use energy to do work. Energy is the ability to do work. Work is done whenever force makes an object move.
Lever Levers have four basic parts: Beam- The lever, a wooden plank or metal bar resting on the fulcrum. Fulcrum- the pivot or the turning point. Force- the effort or input needed to move the beam and load. Load- the item or object being moved or lifted on the plank.
What is a Lever? Wheelbarrows, shovels, brooms, boat oars, crow bars, and bottle openers are all examples of levers. When pulling a nail, the nail is the Load, the Fulcrum is head of the hammer, and the Force is at the other end of the handle, which is the Beam. The Load (nail) and Fulcrum are close to each other which makes it easier to remove a nail with the hammer.
What is an Inclined Plane? One end of an inclined plane is higher than the other end. A ramp is an inclined plane that helps move objects. You can use an inclined plane to help move an object to a higher or lower place.
Wedge A wedge is a simple machine used to push objects apart. A wedge is a simple machine that almost looks like a ramp or an inclined plane. It is thick on one end and usually thins out to a sharp edge on the other end.
What is a Wedge? A doorstop is a wedge. An ax is a wedge that splits wood. Other common examples of wedges include shovels, teeth, some screwdrivers, a knife, a needle, scissors, push pins, and tacks
Screw A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. A screw can be used to hold objects together.
What is a Screw? There are many other examples of screws including the grooves on a jar or bottle lids, the end of light bulbs, water faucets and hoses, bottle caps, gas tank caps on cars, and many others.
What is a Wheel and Axle? A wheel and axle is a simple machine made of a rod attached to the center of a wheel. The axle, or rod, turns when you put force on the wheel. You probably have seen a wheel and axle on scooters, cars, roller skates, and wagons.
Pulley? A pulley is a wheel with a groove in it, and a rope in the groove. You can use a pulley to move a load up, down or sideways.
What is a Pulley? Pulleys are used in window blinds, on ships to raise and lower sails, elevators, exercise equipment, theater curtains, garage doors and more.
Why use simple machines? Simple machines are important to us in our daily life. They help us do work. They make our lives easier.