A simple machine is a mechanical device that changes the direction or magnitude of aforce.

[2] In general, they can be defined as the simplest mechanisms that use mechanical advantage (also called leverage) to multiply force.[3] A simple machine uses a single applied force to do work against a single load force. Ignoring friction losses, the work done on the load is equal to the work done by the applied force. They can be used to increase the amount of the output force, at the cost of a proportional decrease in the distance moved by the load. The ratio of the output to the input force is called the mechanical advantage.

USES:

inclined plane In our daily life, lifting an object straight up is heavier than pulling it up an
incline plane, we do not need to use as much force. However, the inclined plane is longer. Inclined planes can also be used in reverse to slow things down to a stop. It is easy to find applications of inclined planes everywhere: Ramps for wheelchairs, steps, a ski jump, car ramps, playground slide, boat ramps, etc.

Wheels A gear is a wheel with accurately machined teeth round its edge. Its purpose is to
transmit rotary motion and force. Basic relationships for a gear are the number of teeth, the diameter, and the rotary velocity of gears. Gears being an important part of a machine have many applications within various industries. These industries include automotive industries, steel plants industry, paper industry, in mining and many more. They are used as conveyors, elevators, separators, cranes and lubrication systems.

Levers Common examples of first-class levers include crowbars, scissors, pliers, tin snips and
playground seesaws. Examples of second-class levers include nut crackers, wheel barrows, and certain types of bottle openers. The human bicep muscle is an example of a third class lever.

Screws shaft with a thread or groove. The screw holds things together by turning and moving
into surrounding material. Some gears work with a screw-like motion. Examples: boat propellers and corkscrews.

wheel and axle - device that turns around a fixed point to act as a rotating lever. Examples:
steering wheel, faucet, wrench tightening a bolt, bike wheels, water wheel.

wedge - part of a machine with a sloping side that moves to exert force. It differs from the
inclined plane by its function: the wedge forces itself between other parts. Nearly all cutting machines make use of the wedge. Examples: scissors (blades act as paired wedges), door wedge, ax, wood chisel.