Simple Machines

Making work easier….

One simple machine at a time!

What is a Simple Machine? A simple machine has

few or no moving parts.

A simple machine is a machine with only one kind of movement.

Simple machines make work easier.

There is usually a trade off or “hidden cost” that comes with the reduction in effort.

http://cnx.org/content/m23853/latest/ http://www.the-office.com/summerlift/pulleybasics.htm

http://www.g9toengineering.com/resources/simplemachines.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferris_wheel http://makeitgo.wikispaces.com/wedges

http://www.schnauzerlover.com/ramp.htm

Levers Levers have a rigid beam

with a fulcrum and lever arm

Can you find 12 levers?

Placing the load near the fulcrum and the effort far from the fulcrum allows you the greatest mechanical advantage, but is there a hidden cost?

You must lift the load a greater distance!

Pulleys A pulley is made up of a

rope or cable that is placed over a grooved wheel.

Can you find 4 pulleys?

Pulleys can provide a mechanical advantage, directional advantage, or both… but is there a trade off for requiring less effort?

There is an increase in the distance the effort needs to travel & amount of ropeHidden cost: Distance

Inclined Planes Inclined planes are flat

surfaces that are higher on one end.

Can you find 6?

They reduce the effort needed to lift a load.

The trade off for reduced effort is that the load needs to move a longer distance than if it were lifted straight up.

Screws A screw is an inclined

plane wrapped around an axis.

Can you find 7?

Screws can allow you to go a steep distance gradually, but is there a hidden cost?

You must travel a greater distance!

Wedges Wedges are made up

of two inclined planes joined back to back. Wedges are used to split things.

Can you find 4?

Double wedge B has the greater mechanical advantage, is there a hidden cost?

You will have to drive it in a greater distance in order to create the wedge!

Double wedge B has the greater mechanical advantage.

Wheels and Axles The axle is a rod that goes

through the wheel which allows the wheel to turn

Can you find 8?

 The larger the wheel, the greater the mechanical advantage. What could the hidden cost be?

The larger the wheel, the greater the greater the distance it must travel.

Simple Machines

Simple Machines can be put together in different ways to make complex machinery.

Sum it up!Typically, machines are intended to

reduce the amount of force required to move an object.

There is always, however, a trade off.

Distance!

Remember that simple machines make work easier….but we must still work!