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Understanding Simple Machines

The document defines and provides examples of six simple machines: inclined plane, lever, pulley, screw, wedge, and wheel and axle. It also defines compound machines as combinations of two or more simple machines working together. Examples of each simple machine are given.

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Louis Fetilo Fabunan
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179 views3 pages

Understanding Simple Machines

The document defines and provides examples of six simple machines: inclined plane, lever, pulley, screw, wedge, and wheel and axle. It also defines compound machines as combinations of two or more simple machines working together. Examples of each simple machine are given.

Uploaded by

Louis Fetilo Fabunan
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Introduction to Simple Machines
  • Detailed Descriptions of Machines
  • Simple Machine Quiz

Simple Machine: 

     
A machine with few or no moving parts. Simple machines make work easier.

Compound Machine:       
Two or more simple machines working together to make work easier.
Examples: Wheelbarrow, Can Opener, Bicycle

Inclined plane:      
A sloping surface, such as a ramp. An inclined plane can be used to alter the
effort and distance involved in doing work, such as lifting loads. The trade-
off is that an object must be moved a longer distance than if it was lifted
straight up, but less force is needed.
Examples: Staircase, Ramp, Bottom of a Bath Tub

Lever:      
A straight rod or board that pivots on a point known as a fulcrum. The
fulcrum can be moved depending on the weight of the object to be lifted or
the force you wish to exert. Pushing down on one end of a lever results in
the upward motion of the opposite end of the fulcrum.
Examples: Door on Hinges, Seesaw, Hammer, Bottle Opener

Pulley:      
A wheel that usually has a groove around the outside edge. This groove is for
a rope or belt to move around the pulley. Pulling down on the rope can lift an
object attached to the rope. Work is made easier because pulling down on
the rope is made easier due to gravity.
Examples: Flag Pole, Crane, Mini-Blinds

Screw:      
An inclined plane wrapped around a shaft or cylinder. This inclined plane
allows the screw to move itself or to move an object or material surrounding
it when rotated.
Examples: Bolt, Spiral Staircase

Wedge:       
Two inclined planes joined back to back. Wedges are used to split things.
Examples: Axe, Zipper, Knife

Wheel and Axle:      


A wheel and axle has a larger wheel (or wheels) connected by a smaller
cylinder (axle) and is fastened to the wheel so that they turn together.
When the axle is turned, the wheel moves a greater distance than the axle,
but less force is needed to move it. The axle moves a shorter distance, but
it takes greater force to move it.
Examples: Door Knob, Wagon, Toy Car

Simple Machine Quiz

 
1.  A fork is an example of a: 

pulley       wedge       wheel and axle 

 2.  A roller skate is an example of a: 

wheel and axle       wedge       lever 

3.  A ramp is an example of a/an: 

pulley       screw       inclined plane 

4.  The bottom of a light bulb would be considered a: 

lever       screw       wedge 

5.  A seesaw on the playground is a: 

lever       inclined plane       pulley 

6.  You would use a pulley to: 

 cut food       hold pieces of wood together 


help guide the sail on a sailboat 

Simple Machine:       A machine with few or no moving parts. Simple machines make work easier. Compound Machine:        Two
a rope or belt to move around the pulley. Pulling down on the rope can lift an object attached to the rope. Work is made eas
1.  A fork is an example of a:  pulley       wedge       wheel and axle   2.  A roller skate is an example of a:  wheel and

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