[Physics Class Notes] on Simple Machines Pdf for Exam

In the olden days, whenever people don’t know how to do smart work, they work hard to achieve a simple task. From there onwards, slowly, people have learned to construct specific machines with low moving parts to accomplish their required task. These machines are known as simple machines. Let us see what a simple machine is and its types and examples.

What is a Simple Machine?

A mechanical device that changes its motion or position or magnitude by the moment of few parts or no parts to achieve the required task is known as a simple machine. We have six types of simple machines. Let us explore more about the types of simple machines in detail.

Types of Simple Machines

We have six different types of simple machines and each has brought a drastic change. They are:

• Inclined plane.

• Lever.

• Wedge.

• Wheel and axle.

• Pulley.

• Screw.

Inclined Plane

An inclined plane is a simple machine that is used to raise heavy bodies using a sloping plane; it lifts the objects in two different ways. One is lifting in a straight direction, and the other is bringing the object to the top by moving it diagonally. Sidewalk ramps, highway access ramps, inclined conveyor belts, switchback roads, etc. are the inclined plane examples.

Wheel and Axle

The wheel and axle is another type of simple machine that brought a drastic change in the world of physics. It has two parts, one is real, and the other one is the axle. It moves in a circular or cylindrical shape. If the wheel rotates, then according to the speed and the direction of the wheel, the axle also moves. This principle is used to move the objects or to lift the objects from one place to another. The size of the object can be defined as the small gear and large gear. Bringing out a bucket from the well is a well-known wheel and axle example.

What is Pulley?

It is similar to the wheel and axle. A simple machine that uses the wheel but not the axle. Instead of the axle, the pulley uses a rope, cord, or belt. Any of these can be rotated, which in turn rotates the wheel. This leads to an increase in mechanical energy and pushes up the object which we need to lift. Here, if the rotation can be done singly, it is a simple pulley whereas it is known as a compound pulley in multiple ways. If we refer to Pulley examples, the first and foremost one is hosting a flag using a rope.

Wedge

A wedge is another type of simple machine used to break the heavy objects into smaller ones. The breakdown of heavy objects can be done by giving some force on the magnitude. Examples of a wedge are – Nail sinks into the object, etc.

Screw – Simple Machine

The screw is defined as a shaft wrapped by an inclined plane. It helps to hold things together and to lift things. Screw, bolt, clamp, spinning stool, and spiral staircase are examples of the screw, which is a simple machine.

Levers

Levers are another type of simple machine. It is very handy. It is also used to lift objects. It has an arm and fulcrum. Both are moving in opposite directions. If we apply force in one direction, then the pivot exerts force in the opposite direction. Here the force and distance are inversely proportional to each other. If the force is increased or decreased, it depends on the distance. Examples of levers are, hammer used to pry nails loose and the kids’ favorite play tool, see-saw.

Types of Levers

Delivers can be classified as three different classes of levers. They can be identified using a simple technique.

A First-Class Lever – It has the fulcrum between the load and the effort. The first-class lever example is See-Saw.

A Second-Class Lever – It has the load between the effort and the fulcrum. The second-class lever example is a wheelbarrow.

A Third-Class Lever – It has the effort between the load and the fulcrum. A third-class lever example is a fishing rod.

Hence these are the various types and examples of a simple machine Richard highly effective and efficient in achieving the task.