Simple Machines

Six Groups of Simple Machines

  Lever   Wheel and Axle   Pulley   Inclined Plane   Wedge   Screw

Levers

  First Class Lever   Output force – Fulcrum – Input Force

1.  Pliers, Scissors 2.  Triple beam balance 3.  Hedge/Pruning shears 4.  Pry-Bar, Crow Bar 5.  Eyelash Curler

Examples of 1st Class Levers

Levers

  2nd Class Lever   Input Force – Output Force - Fulcrum

1.  Wheelbarrow 2.  Nutcracker 3.  Handle on fingernail clippers 4.  Gas Pump Handle 5.  Pop Bottle Opener

Examples of 2nd Class Levers

Levers

  3rd Class Lever   Fulcrum – Input Force - Output Force

1.  Shovel 2.  Human Forearm 3.  Mouse Trap 4.  Fishing Pole

Examples of 3rd Class Levers

Wheel and Axle The axle is a rod that goes through the wheel which allows the wheel to turn.

Wheel and Axle

Wheel and Axle

Examples of Wheel & Axles:

1.  Screwdriver 2.  Door Knob 3.  Windmill 4.  Ceiling Fan 5.  Bike Wheel

A simple machine made with a rope, belt or chain wrapped around a grooved wheel.

Pulleys

Ramps

Inclined Planes

  A modification of an inclined plane that moves.

  It is made of two inclined planes put together.

Wedges

  A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a central cylinder.

  The inclined plane allows the screw to move itself when rotated.

Screw

Compound Machine

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

  Compound machine: Made up of two or more simple machines.

Examples: Cars, Tractors, Cranes, Bicycles, Tanks, egg beaters, etc…

Simple Machines