Wheels and Axles
This simple machine is an assembly of two cylinders that rotate around the same axis. The axle is the rod that goes through the wheel allowing it to turn. Wheels and axles are used everywhere from cars and buses to wagons and even doorknobs.
Forces that affect this simple machine are friction and unbalanced forces. Friction can slow down the wheel's rotation. Unbalanced forces can affect the wheel and axle in a "wagon case". If you have a greater mass on one side the wagon would tilt.
Forces that affect this simple machine are friction and unbalanced forces. Friction can slow down the wheel's rotation. Unbalanced forces can affect the wheel and axle in a "wagon case". If you have a greater mass on one side the wagon would tilt.
Pulley Systems
The pulley system consists of one or more pulleys and a rope or a cable. Pulley systems are used in the real world to lift large masses onto tall heights.
Gravity is a force that affects a pulley system because without someone or something pulling the rope, gravity would pull down the object on the other side.
Gravity is a force that affects a pulley system because without someone or something pulling the rope, gravity would pull down the object on the other side.
Levers
A lever is a simple machine that makes work easier; it involves moving a load around a pivot using a force.
Gravity and unbalanced forces also affect levers. If an object on side is heavier than the other, the lever will tilt one way more.
Gravity and unbalanced forces also affect levers. If an object on side is heavier than the other, the lever will tilt one way more.
Inclined Planes
In physics, a tilted surface is called an inclined plane. Objects are known to accelerate down inclined planes because of an unbalanced force.
Friction can slow down the object moving up or down an inclined plane.
Friction can slow down the object moving up or down an inclined plane.
Screws
A screw is a simple machine made up of another simple machine. It is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder.
The rotation of the screw forces it into, for example, a piece of wood.
The rotation of the screw forces it into, for example, a piece of wood.
Wedges
A wedge is a simple machine made up of two inclined planes put together. These 2 planes meet and form a sharp edge. Wedges are used to push two objects apart, or cut an object into pieces. It can also hold objects in place. A wedge gets in between objects and splits it apart.
When a wedge is slicing through something, gravity is the force that brings it through the object.
When a wedge is slicing through something, gravity is the force that brings it through the object.