Glossary – Simple Machines

Word / Definition
Simple Machine / A mechanical device with no moving parts that changes the direction of an applied force. The six simple machines are wheels and axels, pulleys, levers, screws, wedges and inclined planes.
Compound Machine / A compound machine is formed when two or more simple machines are assembled together to create a more complex mechanical device. When you put simple machines together, they also get a greater mechanical advantage.
Force Multiplier
Lever and Classes / An object on a fulcrum or pivot used to move a load on one side while pressure is applied to the other
1st Class – Is where the fulcrum is in-between the load and the pressure or effort force
2nd Class – The effort force is on one side and the fulcrum and resistance load is on the other
3rd Class – The effort is in the middle with the fulcrum and the resistance load on either side
Inclined Plane / A sloping ramp that can assist to move heavy loads over a distance
Wedge / A wedge is basically an inclined plane that is used to split objects
Screw / A cylindrical figure that has a rotational spiral going around it that is used for joining object together.
Wheel and Axel / Is one of the simple machines that consists of an axel which is located at the centre of the wheel and the wheel is a larger rim that is around the axel. The axel basically acts like the load and the wheel makes all the effort to turn with the axel.
Pulley / A pulley is a wheel with a groove in it that a rope, string or chain can go through. Pulleys are helpful because instead of moving something upwards, you can pull it downwards instead which makes it easier because our body already acts as a downwards force.
Gears / A gear is a simple machine that is usually a wheel which has ‘teeth’ around the frame of it that can intertwine with other gears and therefore they can move as one.
Cams / Cams are linked to a rotating machine and when so they can create new motions to other objects when they interact with them.
Cogs / Essentially the same as a gear as it is like a wheel that has the ability to move another object when they interlock their ‘teeth’ together
Effort / A determined attempt where the person or thing uses their full potential.
Fulcrum / The point where the lever rests on or the lever is supported by.
Load / A supported weight or mass of an object.
Energy / The strength and power to carry out activity whether it’s mental or physical
Work / The energy needed to move an object over a certain distance
Force / Energy used in movement or physical action of an object or living thing
Friction / Where two or more objects meet and rub against each other
Mass / An object that is made up of matter
Weight / The quantity of the matter inside that object
Spring Balance / A way to measure weight by being held on a spiral spring.