Simple Machines Study Guide
SOL 3.2
Vocabulary Word Meaning
Force A push or pull
Example: I push a bookshelf to move it.
Motion A change in position
Energy Is the ability to do work.
Example: I must have energy to run the mile.
Gravity A force that pulls all objects toward each other
Speed How fast an object moves from one position to another. (distance/time= speed)
Weight A measure of the pull of gravity on an object
Work Measure of a force on an object
Simple machine A tool to make work easier with few or no moving parts; they lessen the work a simple machine used to raise or lower an object
Lever a simple machine used to raise or lower an object
Example: seesaw, crowbar, baseball bat, rake
Inclined plane a simple machine used to move objects to a higher or lower place.
Examples: ramp, stairs
Wedge a simple machine used to separate, lift or split objects
Example: knife, door wedge, ax
Another form of a wedge is a tool used to stop an object from moving. Example: A door stop
Screw a simple machine that is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder or cone. A common use of the screw is to hold objects together
a simple machine consisting of s wheel and axle and a rope to lift or lower items by changing the Pulley direction of force
Example : flagpole, clothesline, cranes, fishing reel
Wheel and Axel a simple machine with a wheel that turns around a post to help move things
Example: steering wheel, doorknob, screwdriver
Compound Machine a machine made of two or more simple machines Examples:
Car
Bike
the item to be lifted by a lever
Load the amount of work needed to lift when using a lever Force/effort what a lever rests on or "rocks" on when working Fulcrum
Important Facts
1. There are six types of simple machines. They are the inclined plane, the screw, the wedge, the wheel and axle, the pulley, and the lever. They are used to make work easier. Simple machines do not have motors. They actually have few or no moving parts.
2. The inclined plane is any slanted surface. It is used to raise or lower items. Examples of an inclined plane are ramps, hills, ladders, stairs, and even driveways. 3. The screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. It is used to hold items in place. Examples of the screw are: screws, light bulbs, jar tops and a vise.
4. The wedge is two inclined planes back to back. They are used to lift, cut or separate items. Examples of the wedge are: a knife, a door stop, a log splitter, and an ax.
5. The wheel and axle are a wheel with a post in the middle of the wheel. The large wheel turns around the center post. They are used to help move items. Examples of a wheel and axle are bicycle tires, car tires, a steering wheel, and a wheel barrow wheel.
6. The pulley is a grooved wheel and axle with a rope. It is used to change the direction of a force to lift or lower an object. Examples of the pulley are a flagpole, a crane and a drapery pull.
7. The lever is a bar that is supported a one position while force is applied at another position. Where the bar is supported is called the fulcrum and where the force is applied is the effort. What is being lifted is the load. Levers help to lift and move heavy loads. Examples of levers are seesaws, rakes, baseball bats, scissors, hammers, brooms and even pencils.
8. When using a lever, if the fulcrum is close to the load, there is less effort.
9. When using a lever, if the fulcrum is far away from the load, there is more effort.