Jan 10th
Simple Machines
The LEVER
e.g. see saw
The SCREW
e.g. an actual
screw, an auger
The INCLINED
PLANE
e.g. a ramp
The PULLEY
e.g. supports weights on
a weight machine
Jan 10th
The WEDGE
e.g. door jamb/
axe
The WHEEL
& AXLE
e.g. a wagon
Jan 10th
Wheel and Axel
Uses rotary motion to change a small input force into a larger
output force.
Rotary motion of the pedals are
transformed to the rotary of the
back wheel via the gears and
chain.
The larger the wheel gets in comparison
to the axle, the LESS FORCE you require
to turn the wheel.
small input force = larger output force
Jan 10th
Gears
A gear is a modified wheel and axle. Gears are toothed wheels that are used
to speed up, slow down or change the direction of motion
Jan 10th
Pulleys
Pulleys use wheels and axles to help lift heavy
loads or to change the direction of a force. The
more pulleys acting in tandem, the less force
you need to make work happen.
(multiple pulley
system)
Jan 10th
Inclined Planes, The Wedge and The Screw
A PLANE means a "flat surface". INCLINED
means "tilted". Therefore, an inclined plane is a
tilted, flat surface. The most recognizable inclined
plane is a ramp. Less obvious is a staircase.
The WEDGE is a modified inclined plane that can be
moved back and forth with ease. An example of a
wedge is a knife or an axe.
The SCREW is an inclined plane wrapped around a
central core. A spiral staircase is a good example.
Augers are used to drill holes (for example, into ice);
these are also examples of screws.