Simple and Compound Machines

By: Froilan Usman

Simple Machines

Simple Machines are Pulley, Wedge, Lever, Wheel and Axle, Inclined Plane, Screw And Gears.

These Machines help us do our work a lot easier.

Examples of Simple Machines

This machine is called the wheel and axle. The wheels help people move around with the chair quickly and with less force. While the chair is moving,the wheels are rotating around their own axle. This one is located inside my room.

Another Example

This is a staircase, Staircases help us move from one level to another. A staircase is an inclined plane, you move up and down over a greater distance and greater force as opposed to jumping up or falling down a level of a house, which will take a longer time and greater force. This staircase is located in my house next to the living room.

Compound Machines

A compound Machine is anything that has two or more of the six simple machines.

Compound Machines help us do our work even easier.

Examples of Compound Machines

A stapler is a compound machine. It is made up of two Simple Machines, Wedge and Lever. The staples in a stapler are wedges because they pierce through papers. The top arm of the stapler is a Lever, it has a fulcrum or a pivot point, which allows the top of the stapler to move up and down. When you put energy on this lever, it transfers energy into a staple, which staples the paper. This stapler is located in the living room.

Another Example

This can opener is made up of 4 simple machines. First is the wheel and axle which is the handle, when you turn the handle energy transfers to the wedge and the gears, which opens the can. Second is the wedge, the thing that slices open the can is the wedge. Third are the gears, those little circles that grip and help rotate the can are the gears. Lastly is the lever, the arms of the can opener are the levers. These two levers open and close on one fulcrum to grip and help open the can. This can opener is located in my kitchen.