Name: _________________
Simple Machines Study Guide
Know the definitions for these terms:
Inclined Plane : A slanted surface
Screw :A post with threads wrapped around it.
Pulley: A wheel with a line, chain, or rope around it.
Work :The use of force to move an object over a distance
Simple Machine : A machine with few or no moving parts.
Fulcrum :The fixed, unmoving part on a lever
Lever: A bar that pivots on a fixed point
Wedge :Two inclined planes placed back to back.
9. Scientists have a special meaning for “work”. Which of these is “work”?
a. pushing on a door that won’t open
b. lifting a box off the floor
c. standing still with a backpack strapped to your back
d. reading a textbook
10. What must a wheel and an axle do to be a simple machine?
a. The wheel and the axle must turn together
b. the wheel and axle must be attached to a lever
c. the axle must stay still while the wheel turns
d. the wheel must have a fixed fulcrum
11. Four scouts are doing different jobs at camp. Which scout is using a pulley?
a. Scout A pries open a can of fruit for breakfast
b. Scout B rolls a wheelbarrow full of firewood to the campsite
c. Scout C raises the flag on the flagpole
d. Scout D cuts logs with an axe
12. A wedge is a simple machine. What other simple machine do you need to make a wedge?
a. fulcrum
c. pulley
b. inclined plane
d. screw
13. Screws have threads that are simple machines. What kind of machine are the THREADS
on screws?
a. blades
c. inclined planes
b. fulcrums
d. wedges
Look at each picture below and write the name of the simple machine it shows.
Screw
14. __________________
Pulley
17. __________________
Inclined plane
Wedge
15. __________________
16. _________________
Lever
18. ________________
Wheel and Axle
19. ________________
20. Choose ONE of the simple machines shown above and explain IN DETAIL how it
helps a person do work. Use the terms “force”, “load”, and “work” in your answer.