Simple Machines
Simple Machines, Definitions & Examples
Lever- a board or bar that rests on a turning point.
Fulcrum- the turning point of a lever.
Examples: seesaw, hammer, crowbar
Inclined plane- flat surface that is higher on one end. You can use this machine to move an object to a lower of higher place making work of moving things easier.
Examples: ramp, slanted road, slide, path up a hill
Wheel and Axle- an axle is a rod that goes through the wheel. This lets the wheel turn. It is easier to move things from place to place.
Examples: cars, roller skates, wagons, doorknobs, gears
Screw- simple machine made from another simple machine. It is actually an inclined plane that winds around a nail. Some screws are used to lower and raise things. Others are used to hold things together.
Examples: jar lids, light bulbs, stools, clamps, key ring
Wedge- simple machine used to push 2 objects apart. A wedge is made up of 2 inclined planes. These planes meet and form a sharp edge that can split things apart.
Examples: nail, fork, knife, axes
Pulley- make up of a wheel and rope. The rope fits on the groove of the wheel. One part of the rope is attached to the load. When you pull on one side of the pulley the wheel turns and the load will be moved. Pulleys will let you move loads up, down or sideways. Pulleys are good for moving objects to hard to reach places. It also makes the work of moving heavy loads a lot easier.
Examples: crane, flag poles, clotheslines
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