Simple Machines

By:

Pulley and Wedge

A rope, a wheel with a groove in it and a weight make up a pulley. You can pull down on the rope to lift the weight.

A wedge is a simple machine that can be used to split things apart or hold a door open.

Wheel and Axle and Inclined Plane

   

The wheel and axle are two parts that act as one simple machine. They roll and are found on cars, bikes and wheelbarrows.

A heavy object can be rolled up an inclined plane, instead of lifting it straight up. Using this simple machine can save effort, although the object must usually cover more distance if this simple machine is used.

Lever and Screw

  This simple machine can be used to lift a weight. It has a fulcrum, or pivot point, which can be located in the center, near the end or at the end of this simple machine.

Examples: Door on Hinges, Seesaw, Hammer, Bottle Opener

This simple machine can be used to hold things together. It is made up of an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder.

Bibliography

Edheads

http://www.edheads.org/activities/simple%2Dmachines/glossary.htm

Inventors Toolbox

http://www.mos.org/sln/leonardo/inventorstoolbox.html

R. Moyer, L. Daniel, J. Hackett, H.P. Baptiste, P. Stryker, J. Vasquez, McGraw-Hill Science Virginia Edition (National Geographic Society) Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, New York, 2004