Simple Machines are the basis for all mechanical movement.
- mechanical movement is something designed to transform an input force into an output force
- a force is any interaction which tends to change the motion of an object
The Simple Machines are six, basic mechanical devices that are used to apply force
The Six Simple Machines are:
- Gears: toothed wheels that mesh together to transmit motion [a form of wheel and axle, as opposed to a wedge which is left out]
- Pulley: a wheel with a grooved rim in which a rope or chain can run to change the direction of the pull, to lift a load
- Lever: a rigid bar resting on a pivot, used to help move a heavy load with one end when pressure is applied to the other
- Wheel and Axle: an axle to which a wheel is fastened so that torque applied to the wheel winds a rope or chain onto the axle
- Inclined Plane: a plane that is set at an angle to the horizontal, especially to raise or lower a load by rolling or sliding
- Screw: a metal pin or rod with one or more spiraling threads; can be driven as a fastener
These might include:
Gears on a bicycle or in another machine (gears)
A crane (a pulley)
A pair of scissors (a lever)
The wheels on a car (a wheel and axle)
Tobogganing down a hill (an inclined plane)
A table vice (a screw)
Museum of SCIENCE!
Bill Nye - simple machines
Summary of machines