Simple machines are the building blocks of many machine elements. Simple make work easier to do by providing some kind of mechanical advantage. Generally this involves trading one quantity (such as force) with another (such as distance).
Inclined Plane
Inclined planes offer a mechanical advantage by trading off the force it takes to raise an object with the distance it has to be moved. The distance moved is increased by using the inclined plane, but the force required to raise the load is reduced. See Also Friction Friction Angle Force Vector Potential Energy Wedge...
Lever
A lever is a rigid beam that pivots around a fulcrum. Levers can exchange the amount of force it takes to move an object with the distance that the actuating force has to move. The relative distances from the fulcrum will affect the amount of this mechanical advantage. Levers can take many forms (such as...
Wheel and Axle
When a wheel is affixed to an axle of a smaller diameter, a mechanical advantage can be gained. This is essentially another form of a lever. When a wheel is affixed to an axle of a smaller diameter, a mechanical advantage can be gained. This is essentially another form of a lever. The mechanical advantage...
Screw
A screw is essentially an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. Screws can be made to move themselves (as in a wood screw) or they can move other objects (such as the screw in a vise). A screw is really an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzMU8rH4PN8
Pulley
A pulley is essentially a wheel (usually a grooved wheel or sheave) mounted on an axle. A single pulley can redirect a force. To begin thinking about how pulleys work, remember that the force in the rope is always the same along its length. In the image below, each side of the pulley carries half...
Wedge
A wedge is really an inclined plane adapted to different applications. The mechanical advantage comes from the ratio of the length to the slope. A more "keen" or sharp wedge will offer more mechanical advantage. As with the inclined plane, the tradeoff is between the distance moved and the height gained. The thinner the wedge,...
Inclined Plane
Inclined planes offer a mechanical advantage by trading off the force it takes to raise an object with...
Lever
A lever is a rigid beam that pivots around a fulcrum . Levers can exchange the amount of force it takes...
Class 1 Lever
Class 1 levers have the fulcrum between the load and the acting force (or effort ).
Class 1 levers...
Class 2 Lever
Class 2 levers position the load between the force (effort) and the fulcrum.
Class 2 levers position...
Class 3 Lever
Class 3 levers are unique in the fact that they reverse the mechanical advantage to sacrifice a reduction...
Wheel and Axle
When a wheel is affixed to an axle of a smaller diameter, a mechanical advantage can be gained. This...
Screw
A screw is essentially an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. Screws can be made to move themselves...
Pulley
A pulley is essentially a wheel (usually a grooved wheel or sheave ) mounted on an axle.
A single...
Wedge
A wedge is really an inclined plane adapted to different applications. The mechanical advantage comes...