6 Simple Machines Definitions and Examples

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Questions and Answers

What is a lever?

Made up of a bar that turns on a fixed point or a fulcrum.

Which of the following is an example of a lever? (Select all that apply)

Light switch (correct)

Hammer (correct)

Wheelbarrow (correct)

Seesaw (correct)

What is a screw?

An inclined plane wound around a cylinder.

Which of the following items is an example of a screw? (Select all that apply)

Light bulb Signup and view all the answers

What is a pulley?

A rope pulled over a grooved wheel to raise an object. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of a pulley? (Select all that apply)

Flag pole Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'wheel and axle' refer to?

A rod in the center of a wheel that allows the wheel to turn around the axle. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are examples of wheels and axles? (Select all that apply)

Car Signup and view all the answers

What is an inclined plane?

A flat or curved surface that is higher at one end. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are examples of inclined planes? (Select all that apply)

Slide Signup and view all the answers

What is a wedge?

Two inclined planes with a wide end that are used to cut, split, or push. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following items is an example of a wedge? (Select all that apply)

Teeth Signup and view all the answers

What is a block and tackle?

Two or more pulleys working together, requiring less force with more wheels. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following items is an example of block and tackle? (Select all that apply)

Pulley system Signup and view all the answers

What is a moveable pulley?

A rope and a wheel working together that moves along a line or cable. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are examples of moveable pulleys? (Select all that apply)

Zip line Signup and view all the answers

What is a fixed pulley?

A wheel and a rope or cable working together that is fixed to something, and does not change position. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples illustrates a fixed pulley? (Select all that apply)

Blinds Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Simple Machines Overview

Simple machines are mechanical devices that change the direction or magnitude of a force, facilitating work.

Lever

A lever consists of a bar that pivots at a fixed point known as a fulcrum.
Examples: light switch, seesaw, hammer, wheelbarrow.

Screw

A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder, enabling it to convert rotational motion into linear motion.
Examples: light bulb, drill, toothpaste cap, and tube.

Pulley

A pulley consists of a rope that passes over a grooved wheel, primarily used to lift objects.
Examples: flagpole, ski lift.

Wheel and Axle

This consists of a central rod (axle) that allows the wheel to turn around it, reducing friction for movement.
Examples: bike, car, wagon.

Inclined Plane

An inclined plane is a flat or curved surface that elevates at one end, making it easier to lift objects.
Examples: slide, stairs, ramp.

Wedge

A wedge is formed by two inclined planes, featuring a wider end; used for cutting, splitting, or pushing objects apart.
Examples: knife, teeth, axe, zipper.

Block and Tackle

Block and tackle uses two or more pulleys working in tandem, enabling less force to lift heavier loads as additional wheels reduce required effort.
Example: ropes on a ship.

Moveable Pulley

A moveable pulley consists of a rope and wheel that shifts along a cable, providing mechanical advantage by distributing weight.
Examples: zip line, cable car, and the wheel that slides on a pulley.

Fixed Pulley

A fixed pulley consists of a wheel and rope that are affixed in place, primarily used to change the direction of force without altering position.
Examples: the wheel and rope used to lift a bucket from a well, and window blinds.

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Description

This quiz features flashcards that help you learn about six simple machines, focusing on their definitions and real-world examples. Explore terms such as lever, screw, and pulley, along with relevant examples to enhance your understanding of these fundamental concepts in physics.