Simple Machines

Front

What is a simple machine?

Back

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

Front

What are the six types of simple machines?

Back

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

Front

Define a lever.

Back

A lever is a rigid bar that rotates around a fixed point called the fulcrum. It is used to lift or move loads with less effort.

Front

What is a wheel and axle?

Back

A wheel and axle is a simple machine consisting of a larger wheel attached to a smaller axle, allowing for easier movement of loads.

Front

Explain an inclined plane.

Back

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

Front

What is a pulley?

Back

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

Front

Define a screw.

Back

A screw is a simple machine that converts rotational motion into linear motion, often used to hold objects together or lift materials.

Front

What is a wedge?

Back

A wedge is a simple machine that consists of two inclined planes joined together, used to split or lift objects.

Front

How does a lever work?

Back

A lever works by balancing the load and effort on either side of the fulcrum, allowing a smaller effort to lift a larger load.

Front

What is the mechanical advantage of a simple machine?

Back

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