Simple Machines Study Guide

SOL 3.2

Vocabulary Word Meaning

Force A push or pull

Example: I push a bookshelf to

move it.

Motion A change in position

Energy Is the ability to do work.

Example: I must have energy to

run the mile.

Gravity A force that pulls all objects

toward each other

Speed How fast an object moves from

one position to another.
(distance/time= speed)
Weight A measure of the pull of gravity on
an object

Work Measure of a force on an object

Simple machine A tool to make work easier with

few or no moving parts; they
lessen the work a simple machine
used to raise or lower an object

Lever a simple machine used to raise or

lower an object

Example: seesaw, crowbar,

baseball bat, rake

Inclined plane a simple machine used to move

objects to a higher or lower place.

Examples: ramp, stairs

Wedge a simple machine used to separate,
lift or split objects

Example: knife, door wedge, ax

Another form of a wedge is a tool

used to stop an object from
moving. Example:
A door stop

Screw a simple machine that is an inclined

plane wrapped around a cylinder or
cone. A common use of the screw is to
hold objects together

Example: drill bit, screws

a simple machine consisting of s

wheel and axle and a rope to lift
or lower items by changing the
Pulley direction of force

Example : flagpole, clothesline,

cranes, fishing reel
Wheel and Axel a simple machine with a wheel that
turns around a post to help move
things

Example: steering wheel,

doorknob, screwdriver

Compound Machine a machine made of two or more

simple machines
Examples:

Car

Bike

the item to be lifted by a lever

Load
the amount of work needed to lift
when using a lever
Force/effort
what a lever rests on or "rocks" on
when working
Fulcrum
 Important Facts

1. There are six types of simple machines. They are the inclined plane,
the screw, the wedge, the wheel and axle, the pulley, and the
lever. They are used to make work easier. Simple machines do not
have motors. They actually have few or no moving parts.

2. The inclined plane is any slanted surface. It is used to raise or lower

items. Examples of an inclined plane are ramps, hills, ladders, stairs,
and even driveways.
3. The screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. It is used
to hold items in place. Examples of the screw are: screws, light bulbs,
jar tops and a vise.

4. The wedge is two inclined planes back to back. They are used to
lift, cut or separate items. Examples of the wedge are: a knife, a door
stop, a log splitter, and an ax.

5. The wheel and axle are a wheel with a post in the middle of the
wheel. The large wheel turns around the center post. They are used
to help move items. Examples of a wheel and axle are bicycle tires, car
tires, a steering wheel, and a wheel barrow wheel.

6. The pulley is a grooved wheel and axle with a rope. It is used to

change the direction of a force to lift or lower an object. Examples of
the pulley are a flagpole, a crane and a drapery pull.
7. The lever is a bar that is supported a one position while force is
applied at another position. Where the bar is supported is called the
fulcrum and where the force is applied is the effort. What is being
lifted is the load. Levers help to lift and move heavy loads. Examples
of levers are seesaws, rakes, baseball bats, scissors, hammers, brooms
and even pencils.

8. When using a lever, if the fulcrum is close to the load, there is less
effort.

9. When using a lever, if the fulcrum is far away from the load, there
is more effort.