Simple Machines

Since the beginning of me, humans have developed devices and tools to make work easier. The most notable
among these are the six simple machines: the inclined plane, the wheel and axle, the pulley, the lever, the screw, and
the wedge.

What Is a Simple Machine?

A mechanical device that changes the direc on or magnitude of a force is known as a simple machine. In general
terms, they are defined as simple machines that help li or move something. Simple machines have few or no
moving parts to modify mo on and force. Let us learn more about the six simple machines in the following few
sec ons.

The Inclined Plane

An inclined plane is a sloping plane used to raise heavy bodies. Inclined planes make it easier to li objects to greater
heights. There are two ways to raise an object: it can be either raised by li ing it straight up or by pushing it
diagonally up.

Li ing an object straight up moves the object in the shortest distance, but a more significant force must be exerted.
Using an inclined plane to li objects requires a smaller force but must be exerted over a long distance. A few
everyday examples of inclined planes include sidewalk ramps, highway access ramps, inclined conveyor belts, and
switchback roads.

Wheel and Axle

Wheel and axle make work easier by moving objects across distances. The wheel and axle greatly reduce the fric on
involved in moving an object. The wheel (round ends) turns with the axle (or cylindrical post), causing movement.
The wheel is one of the most significant inven ons in the history of the world. Before the inven on of wheels, the
amount of load and the distance through which we could carry the load over land was limited. It is easier to roll a
2000-kilogram block of stone using logs placed underneath it than to push it.
Pulley

Instead of an axle, a wheel could also rotate a rope, cord, or belt. The varia on of the wheel and axle is the pulley. In
a pulley, a cord wraps around a wheel. It is a simple machine that is used to change the direc on of the force. When
the wheel rotates, the cord can move in either direc on. By a aching a hook to the cord, the wheel’s rota on can be
used to raise or lower objects, making work easier. Various types of pulleys help in making a variety of li ing and
moving tasks easier. A pulley system is necessary to hoist a flag on a flag pole. A rope is a ached to the pulley to raise
and lower the flag more easily.

Lever

A lever is a tool that is used to pry objects loose. Levers are also used to li objects. A lever has an arm that turns
against a fulcrum. Exer ng a force on one end of the pivot creates a force on the other end of the lever. The applied
force is either increased or decreased based on the distance from the fulcrum to the load and from the fulcrum to
the effort. A few examples of levers are the hammer that we used to pry nails loose and the kids’ favourite see-saw.
Screw

An inclined plane wrapped around a sha is known as a screw. The two primary func ons of a screw are to hold
things together or to li objects. The threading around the sha in a screw makes it an efficient tool to hold things
together. The threads grip the surrounding material like teeth, resul ng in a secure hold. A few examples of screws
include screw, bolt, clamp, spinning stool, and spiral staircase. A car jack is an example of a screw used to li
something.

Wedge

A wedge is a simple machine that is used to break apart substances by applying force. A nail is a common example of
a wedge. In a nail, the force is applied to the wide head area. This applied force is concentrated in a small point area
where the force is exerted. At this point, the force is magnified and enables the force to pierce through objects. As
the nail sinks into the object, the wedge shape at the point of the nail moves forward and forces the object apart.
Frequently Asked Ques ons – FAQs

Q1

What is a simple machine?

A mechanical device that changes the direc on or magnitude of a force is known as a simple machine. In general
terms, they are defined as simple machines that help li or move something.

Q2

Name the six simple machines.

The six simple machines are an inclined plane, wheel and axle, pulley, lever, screw and wedge.

Q3

A bo le cap is an example of which simple machine?

Bo lecap is an example of a screw. The cap of the water bo le has a spiral shape. When you place it on the bo le
and twist it, the cap pulls itself toward the bo le.

Q4

Is Broom a simple machine?

Yes, the broom is an example of a lever. You pivot the handle of the broom at the top (fulcrum) and push the handle
near the middle (effort), so the bristles at the other end will sweep across the floor.

Q5

What type of simple machine is a doorknob?

A doorknob is an example of a wheel and axle. When you turn the large knob on the door, a rod on the inside
releases the latch that holds the door closed. It would be difficult to turn the rod without the knob.

Q6

What are compound machines?

A compound machine is a device that combines two or more simple machines. A wheelbarrow is an example of a
compound machine. In a wheelbarrow, the func onality of a wheel and axle is combined with that of a lever. Many
compound machines can be formed using six basic simple machines. Some examples of compound machines are a
can opener, shovel, and jack.