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Simple machines
This background information on Simple machines is taken from the EngQuest website: www.engquest.org.au. Students use this information to construct various simple machines such as pull-along toys and catapults.
A machine is something that makes it easier for us to do work, such as moving objects. Simple machines are ones which have only one part to do the work. One example of a simple machine is a lever (see Diagram 1).
More complicated machines (sometimes called Compound Machines) are made up of a number of simple machines that work together to help do the work. A wheelbarrow is one example of a compound machine because it has levers (handles) and a wheel (see Diagram 2).
Load, effort and mechanical advantage
The load is the object that is moved. In Diagram 1, the load is the weight of the rock.
The effort is the force that is used to do the work. In Diagram 1, the effort is the force that the person applies to the crowbar to move the rock.
You can use a simple machine to move a large load with a smaller effort than you would need if you did not have a machine to help you. This is called gaining a mechanical advantage.
Types of simple machines
There are a number of different types of simple machines. These include:
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Compound machines are made up of a combination of these simple machines. Can you identify all the simple machines in the Simple Machines Animation?