Sikes & West S4P3a: Identify simple machines and their uses.
What are simple machines? Simple machines make work easier for us by allowing us to push or pull over increased distances. There are 6 types of simple machines.
Lever A lever is made up of 2 parts: a bar and a fixed point. The fixed point is called a fulcrum. There are 3 types of levers.
Three Types of Levers
Pulley Makes it easier to lift a heavier load. There are fixed pulleys and moveable pulleys. The picture to the right is a fixed pulley. A fixed pulley only changes the direction of force, you pull down on the string and the load goes up.
Wedge A wedge changes a downward or forward force into a sideways force. A wedge is an object with at least one slanting side ending in a sharp edge, which cuts material apart.
Inclined Plane An inclined plane is a simple machine with one flat slanted surface. This holds up and supports most of the weight load. Another way to describe an inclined plane is to say that it is a slanting surface connecting a lower level to a higher level. The most common inclined plane is a ramp. It does not use much force, but you do have to move the load farther.
Screw A screw is an inclined plane twisted into a spiral. A screw holds things together or lifts materials.
Wheel and Axle A wheel and axle has two parts- a wheel with a axle going through the middle of the wheel. You only need to use a small force on the wheel. The axle turns the force into a larger force, which moves the load. A doorknob is an example of a wheel and axle.
Compound Machines Using two or more simple machines. Most machines are compound machines. Can you name some examples of other compound machines not shown here?