A simple machine is a mechanical device that changes either the magnitude or direction of a force.
There are three main types of simple machines:
1. Wheel and axle - also includes the pulley. These are useful for changing the magnitude and/or direction of a force.
2. Lever. Levers are useful for changing the direction and magnitude of a force. More information about classes of levers and equations for calculating the mechanical advantage can be found here.
3. Inclined plane - also includes wedges and screws. These can change the amount of force needed to move an object by increasing the distance travelled. W=f*d.
References: Wikipedia contributors. "Simple machine." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 26 Apr. 2016. Web. 31 Aug. 2016.
There are three main types of simple machines:
1. Wheel and axle - also includes the pulley. These are useful for changing the magnitude and/or direction of a force.
2. Lever. Levers are useful for changing the direction and magnitude of a force. More information about classes of levers and equations for calculating the mechanical advantage can be found here.
3. Inclined plane - also includes wedges and screws. These can change the amount of force needed to move an object by increasing the distance travelled. W=f*d.
References:
Wikipedia contributors. "Simple machine." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 26 Apr. 2016. Web. 31 Aug. 2016.