Simple Machines
⭐ MasteredSimple machines like levers, wheels, ramps and pulleys make work easier by changing the size or direction of a force.
The wheel and axle is one of the most important inventions ever.
All about Simple Machines
A simple machine is a basic device that makes work easier. It can change the size of a force, change its direction or both. There are six classic simple machines: the lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge and screw.
Simple machines do not reduce the amount of work you do overall. They trade force for distance, so you may need to push or pull over a longer path to get the same result.
A pair of scissors is two levers joined together. A ramp is an inclined plane that lets you raise a heavy object gradually. A bicycle uses wheels, gears and levers. Once you start looking, you will spot simple machines everywhere.
🎮 Try it yourself!
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👀 What the animation shows
This animation shows simple machines being used to move a load. Watch how a lever, a pulley or a ramp lets you lift or move the object with less force, even though you may need to move your hand or the rope a longer distance.
Real-life uses of Simple Machines
- Using scissors and pliers, which are levers
- Lifting heavy loads with ramps and pulleys
- Opening a jar lid with a screw thread
Frequently asked questions about Simple Machines
What are the six simple machines?
Lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge and screw.
Are stairs a simple machine?
Yes. A set of stairs is an inclined plane that spreads the work of climbing over a longer distance.
Do simple machines make work disappear?
No. They make the force you need smaller, but you usually have to move a greater distance to do the same job.