Bachiller

Simple Machines
By: Martin Solorzano
As an extension of circular motion, we are seeing the types of simple machines, in physics class. Simple machines are, as its name says, simple devices to makeour lives easier, also other complex machines are made up of simple machines. The simple machines are six: the lever, an inclined plane, the wheel and axle, the wedge, pulleys, and the screw. As youcan see they are in fact very simple but very useful. In the next text I will describe 4 of them in detail.

To start with, we have the lever. The lever is used to lift very heavy objects. As youcan see in the image the man is trying to lift a heavy rock. It is based on a large stick depending on the mechanical advantage you want, and a pivot point. You exert force in one end and the load inthe other side will move easier than just moving it without the lever.

The second simple machine in the list is the inclined plane. The inclined plane is used to move an object to a higher placewithout the need of lifting it, just sliding it on a ramp. This mechanical advantage is because you need less force to move the object from one endpoint to another but now the distance traveled by theobject is greater. Also, depending on the friction done by the plane the force can be even less.

The wedge is also a simple machine that is often referred to a tool used to cut. The wedge has othervery functional utilities, as holding things in its place, or lifting an object acting as a portable inclined plane. For example, the little triangular thing we use to hold the door in place is awedge. A simple knife or hatchet can also be treated as a wedge.

Last but not least, the screw. The screw by itself can’t do much but holding thing together in wood or steel. The screws are mostwidely used for other more complex machines like the Archimedes screw or the corkscrew. The screw can also be used as fastener in some objects.
In conclusion simple machines are very useful. They are...