EngQuest 2010

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Screws

A screw is really an inclined plane that is coiled around a shaft (see Diagram 12).

The inclined plane of the screw makes the work easier by allowing the effort to be applied over a longer distance. This is another example of trading force for distance. The closer together the threads of the screw are, the greater the mechanical advantage.

Some examples of screws include:

• wood screws

• the screw in a car jack

• the screw on the lid of a jar

• the blades of a fan

• the blades of an aeroplane propeller.

Did you notice the screw in the Simple Machines Animation? How was it used?