Simple Machines

A simple machine is a device that changes the direction or magnitude of a force. Examples include levers, pulleys, inclined planes, screws, wedges, and wheels.

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

A lever is used to lift or move loads with less effort by applying force at one end to lift a load at the other end.

Friction is the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another. It causes energy loss and reduces the efficiency of machines.

An inclined plane is a flat surface that is tilted at an angle to help raise or lower objects with less effort.

A compound machine is made up of two or more simple machines working together to perform a task.

A pulley consists of a wheel on an axle or shaft that is designed to support movement and change the direction of force applied to a rope or cable.

Mechanical advantage is the ratio of the output force produced by a machine to the input force applied to it, indicating how much a machine multiplies force.

A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder, used to hold objects together or lift materials.

A wedge is a device that tapers to a thin edge, used to separate or hold objects apart by applying force.