Simple machines work by using force and making work easier. It is easier to use a pulley to lift things than to lift them yourself. Every day, I use simple machines to open a door, climb stairs, and use scissors to do school work. Other people use simple machines every day as well. Some people use wheelbarrows, pliers, and ramps to do their work or chores.
How do the simple machines work?
Pulley:
- A fixed pulley is anchored in place. The force goes in a complete circle. A fixed pulley does not rise and fall with the load being moved. A fixed pulley changes the direction of the force.
- A movable pulley has an axle that can move easily. One end is fixed, pulling on the other. A moveable pulley rises and falls with the load.
- A compound pulley combines both a fixed and a moveable pulley.
- A block and tackle is a compound pulley with many pulleys that are used.
Wheel and axle:
Wheels allow you to do work easier for a longer amount of time. If you turn a large wheel that is attached to an axle that will turn the axle too. If you use a lot of force on an axle that turns the wheel fast. A rod goes through the center of the wheel to allow it to move or lift objects. A large wheel is secured to a small wheel or shaft called an axle. When either turns the other part turns too.
Wheels allow you to do work easier for a longer amount of time. If you turn a large wheel that is attached to an axle that will turn the axle too. If you use a lot of force on an axle that turns the wheel fast. A rod goes through the center of the wheel to allow it to move or lift objects. A large wheel is secured to a small wheel or shaft called an axle. When either turns the other part turns too.
Lever:
A lever is a mechanism in which a plank rotates around a fixed pivot point, also known as a fulcrum. The direction of a force is changed by using a lever. It helps you move things that are heavy or make something move faster.
A first class lever changes the direction of force with down effort resulting in an upward movement. Examples are a crowbar, pliers, and scissors.
A second class lever does not change the direction of the force. It gives an increase in force. Examples are doors, bottle openers, and wheelbarrows.
A third class lever does not change the direction of the force but produces increased distance and speed. Examples are tweezers, hammers, and shovels.
Inclined plane:
Using the inclined plane covers more distance, but a smaller amount of force is used. A higher level and a lower level are connected with an inclined plane. Inclined planes are even sloping surfaces. To reduce the slope, an inclined plane will often go back and forth. Examples of this are mountain roads that wind back and forth and walking ramps on a hill.
Using the inclined plane covers more distance, but a smaller amount of force is used. A higher level and a lower level are connected with an inclined plane. Inclined planes are even sloping surfaces. To reduce the slope, an inclined plane will often go back and forth. Examples of this are mountain roads that wind back and forth and walking ramps on a hill.
Wedge:
A wedge is a simple machine used to separate objects, or portions of objects, through the application of force. A wedge is made up of two inclined planes. These planes meet and form a sharp edge. This edge can split things apart. A wedge is an object with at least one slanting side ending in a sharp edge, which can force things apart. A wedge holds something together or holds something back. It can scrape, cut, or split something. |
Screw:
A screw is a type of inclined plane that wraps around a cylinder. The sharp edges that are created becomes a simple tool. A screw makes work easier by going into and through a solid object such as a piece of wood. A screw is designed to be inserted into an object by rotating and fastening things together. The power of a screw is how close together the threads of a screw are.
A screw is a type of inclined plane that wraps around a cylinder. The sharp edges that are created becomes a simple tool. A screw makes work easier by going into and through a solid object such as a piece of wood. A screw is designed to be inserted into an object by rotating and fastening things together. The power of a screw is how close together the threads of a screw are.