Simple machines are tools, devices or objects that are used to make work easier.
TYPES OF SIMPLE MACHINES.
- Levers
- Inclined Plane
- Wedges
- Screw
- Pulley
- Wheel & Axle
<u>T</u><u>H</u><u>E</u><u> </u><u>L</u><u>E</u><u>V</u><u>E</u><u>R</u><u>S</u>
A lever is simply a plank or ridge beam that is free to rotate on a pivot.
<u>P</u><u>A</u><u>R</u><u>T</u><u>S</u><u> </u><u>O</u><u>F</u><u> </u><u>A</u><u> </u><u>L</u><u>E</u><u>V</u><u>E</u><u>R</u><u> </u>
- Load
- Effort
- Fulcrum or pivot
<u>C</u><u>L</u><u>A</u><u>S</u><u>S</u><u>E</u><u>S</u><u> </u><u>O</u><u>F</u><u> </u><u>L</u><u>E</u><u>V</u><u>E</u><u>R</u><u>S</u>
THE FIRST CLASS LEVER
In this class, the FULCRUM is between the EFFORT and the LOAD. The mechanical advantage is more if the load is closer to the FULCRUM. Examples: seesaws, boat oars and crowbars.
THE SECOND CLASS LEVER
In this class, the LOAD is between the EFFORT and the FULCRUM. The mechanical advantage is more if the LOAD is closer to the FULCRUM. Example: wheelbarrow.
THE THIRD CLASS LEVER
In this class, the EFFORT is between the LOAD and the FULCRUM. The mechanical advantage is more if the EFFORT is closer to the LOAD. Example: garden shovel.
<u>T</u><u>H</u><u>E</u><u> </u><u>INCLINED</u><u> </u><u>PLANE</u><u> </u><u>OR</u><u> </u><u>RAMP</u>
An inclined plane is a simple machine with a sloping surface. It makes it easier for us to move objects from lower grounds to higher grounds.
<u>W</u><u>E</u><u>D</u><u>G</u><u>E</u><u>S</u>
A wedge is simply a triangular tool, often made of wood, stone, metal or plastic. It is thick at one end and tapers to a thin or sharp edge at the other end. Examples: knife, axe, doorstopper, nail, blade on the snow plough or farmer grader.
<u>PULLEY</u>
A pulley is simply a wheel with a groove in it, and a rope in the groove. It is used to lift heavy objects from the ground to high places.
<u>WHEEL</u><u> </u><u>&</u><u> </u><u>AXLE</u>
Involves two circular objects joined at the center. It works when force is applied to the wheel or when force is applied to the axle. Example: door knob.
