There are

six simple
mechanisms.
 There are
six simple
mechanisms.
RECAP
Mechanisms are designed to perform many functions to make our lives easier.
This is called MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE.

• To get an object to move, you

need to push it or pull it.

• A push or pull is called a force.

The force makes the object
move over a distance.

• Force and distance are the two

important things that are
changed by a mechanism.
 Second-class
Third-class
First-class Lever
Lever
Lever
1 Lever
The effort
fulcrum
load isisbetween
between
is between
the
thethe
fulcrum
load
effort
andand
• A lever system consists of and fulcrum.
the effort.
the load.
a rigid bar that balances
on a fixed point called a
fulcrum.
Effort Load Load
• In lever systems, a force is
called an effort.

• Effort is applied to one

end of the lever to move a
load.

• The position of effort,

load, and fulcrum
determines the type or
class of lever. Fulcrum
Fulcrum
Effort Effort Fulcrum
1 Lever Three Classes of Levers
First-class Lever Examples

Pliers

Seesaw

Scissors Claw Hammer

1 Lever Three Classes of Levers
Second-class Lever Examples

Wheelbarrow Stapler

Nail Clippers

Bottle Opener

Nutcracker Door/Gate
1 Lever Three Classes of Levers
Third-class Lever Examples

Bow and Arrow Fishing Rod

Baseball bat Broom Human Jaw


2 Wheel and Axle
There are two applications for the wheel
and axle:
1. force multiplier
can be used to multiply force,
such as turning the steering wheel
of a car
A wheel and axle consists of a rod
attached to a wheel. When the wheel
turns, the axle turns and vice versa.
2. distance multiplier
can be used to cover distance,
such as the wheels of a car or
bicycle
3 Pulley
The pulley is a simple machine that consists of a grooved wheel and a rope. Like
a lever, it provides a mechanical advantage in lifting a heavy load. There is a
direct relationship between the number of ropes that form the pulley and its
resulting advantage.

There are two basic types of pulleys: fixed and moveable.

3 Pulley Fixed Pulley
When the grooved wheel is attached to a surface it forms a fixed pulley. The
main benefit of a fixed pulley is that it changes the direction of the required
force. For example, to lift an object from the ground, the effort would be applied
downward instead of pulling up on the object.

However, a fixed pulley

provides no concrete
mechanical advantage. The
same amount of force is still
required, but may be applied in
another direction.
3 Pulley Movable Pulley
A moveable pulley, consists of a rope attached to
some surface. The wheel directly supports the load,
and the effort comes from the same direction as the
rope attachment.

A moveable pulley reduces the effort required to

lift a load. Moveable pulleys do provide a
mechanical advantage. The effort needed to raise a
load is reduced according to the number of ropes
supporting the load.
4 Inclined Plane
An inclined plane is a flat supporting surface tilted at an angle, with one end higher
than the other, which is used as an aid for raising or lowering a load.

If viewed from the side, an inclined plane looks like a triangle. The surface of an
inclined plane is at an angle against the horizontal surface.

An inclined plane is often used in real life

applications to make moving heavy or delicate
objects easier. When moving an object up a
plane, it requires a consistent force to keep it
moving. This force, however, is much lower
than having to lift the object all at once.
5 Wedge
A Wedge is a triangle-shaped mechanism. It can be used to:

separate objects (e.g. an axe splitting wood),

lift an object,

hold an object in place

 A screw is one of the most commonly used mechanical
6 Screw devices in the world. It is a mechanism that converts
rotational motion into linear motion.

Why is a Screw a Simple Machine?

A screw has a long and thin metal shaft with threads spiralling along its length. It
also has a turning head with a groove where a screwdriver can be used to rotate the
screw.

The strength of a screw’s hold depends on the width of the threads and the distance
between them. The closer and wider the threads, the stronger the hold will be.

It can be used to:

• nut and bolt – hold things together
• car jack – lift heavy loads
• drill gun – drill holes on objects