LESSON

3 SIMPLE MACHINES

A machine is a simple mechanical device that can be used to do work. Ma-

chines transfer force from where it is applied to some other point where it is used. It
can also change the strength or magnitude of the force. The force applied to a
machine is known as effort force, whereas the force applied by the machine is
called the resistance force.

TYPES OF SIMPLE MACHINE

A machine that has only one or two parts is called a simple machine. A de-
vice that consists of two or more simple machines is called a compound machine.
LEVER
A lever is a machine that helps lift and move objects. A lever consists of a rigid
bar that rests and pivots on a support.
Parts of a Lever
Levers have three specific parts: the effort, the fulcrum, and the load.
The effort is the work you apply to move the bar. The fulcrum is the support that the
bar rests on. This is also known as the lever's turning point, because the bar moves
about it. The load is the object that you are trying to lift or move.
Types of Levers
There are three different types of levers: class 1 levers, class 2 levers, and class 3 lev-
ers.
Class 1 Levers
In class 1 levers, the fulcrum is between the effort and the load. Effort is applied on
one end to move a load on the other end. E-----------------F-----------------L
Class 2 Levers
In class 2 levers, the load is between the fulcrum and the effort. Effort is applied on
one end to move a load in the middle. F-----------------L-----------------E
Class 3 Levers
In class 3 levers, the effort is between the load and the fulcrum. Effort is applied in
between the two to move a load on the end. L-----------------E----------------F
Examples of levers : hammer, wheelbarrow, crowbar, light switches, bottle opener
and spoon.

INCLINED PLANES
An inclined plane, also called a ramp, is a flat
surface that is tilted at an angle and has one end
higher than the other. It is used to raise or lower loads
using a small amount of effort force. An inclined plane
reduces the effort force required to move the object
but increases the distance traveled by an object.
WEDGES
A wedge is a triangular tool that is made of metal, stone, wood or plastic. It is
thick on one end and the edge becomes thin and sharp on the other end. This sim-
ple machine is actually made up of two inclined planes that are put together to
form a triangle. Examples of wedges: knife, axe, staples, push pins, nails, screwdriv-
ers, blades and doorsteps.
SCREWS
A screw is a kind of inclined plane that winds around a
center or core. It is used to move things up or hold things to-
gether. The spiraling in the screw allows movement from a low-
er position to a higher position while moving in a circle.
Examples of screws are the coiled springs of a notebook,
a wood screw and a meat grinder. The cap of a soda bottle also has a screw.
PULLEYS
A pulley is a wheel or set of wheels that is used with a rope or chain. This simple
machine is used to lift or lower heavy loads. The pulley on a flagpole is the simplest
kind of pulley. It is called a fixed pulley because it is attached to something that
does not move. This kind of pulley does not change the amount of force but chang-
es the direction of the force.
 A movable pulley is one that moves with the load.
In this type of pulley, the pulley is not attached to a ceil-
ing or bar and is thus free to move. Examples of this type
of pulley are those that you find in elevators and cranes.

WHEELS AND AXLES

A wheel and axle may be thought of as a small
wheel attached to the center of a bigger wheel-the
smaller wheel is the axle and the bigger one is the
wheel. A wheel and axle is actually a rotating lever. It can be used to multiply the
force applied. An example of a wheel and axle is a gear. This type of simple ma-
chine is usually found in equipment that have parts that turn, such as clocks, electric
fans, motorcycles, bicycles and merry-go-rounds.

TYPES OF SIMPLE MACHINE

No machine is 100% efficient because all machines experience transformation
of mechanical energy to thermal energy. When you drive down screw, friction trans-
forms some of the mechanical energy into thermal energy. When an axe (which is a
form of wedge) is used to cut a piece of wood, some of its mechanical energy is al-
so transformed into thermal energy.
Most of the time, machines are
combined to form useful devices. Have
you heard of a Rube Goldberg Machine?
Rube Goldberg machines are complex
contraptions made by putting together a
series of devices. Like a roller coaster, this
machine also works through the continu-
ous transformation of potential energy in-
to kinetic energy and vice versa.