Hooo boy I see the cupcake we want I see it I see it But how will we get it
ZZZ We'll need to use simple machines to help us I'll draw up blueprints of the kitchen so we can make a plan
the SIX SIMPLE MACHINES INCLINED PLANE A ramp that helps when moving an object between lower and higher locations WHEEL AND AXLE A wheel and attached center rod that rotate together to help to move heavy things long distances LEVER A bar connected to a pivot point called a fulcrum that helps move heavy objects SCREW A raised ridge wrapped around a cylinder that helps to hold things together or lift and lower an object PULLEY A wheel and a rope that used together make lifting heavy objects easier WEDGE A tool that tapers to a thin or sharp edge and helps to split something or to keep objects in place
If we have to climb up high or lift something heavy or cut something in two simple machines make it easier Okay as long as we get that cupcake WHAT IS A SIMPLE MACHINE Any tool used to help you move something is a machine This includes obvious things such as cars and computers and can openers but did you know your toothbrush is actually a machine So is a pencil a tennis racket and a knife They all make doing something easier Even parts of your body are machines Simple machines such as a shovel or a baseball bat or a nail are machines that do one thing They have few or no moving parts Things such as bicycles scissors and wheelbarrows are complex machines because they are made of two or more simple machines working together with moving parts The six simple machines help us to push pull lift and divide They help us cut things move things and reach things that are far away Machines give us a mechanical advantage That means they make doing work easier than it would be without the aid of machines IMPORTANT TERMS FORCE Force is the effort needed to pull or push an object Anytime you make something move you are applying force Forces make things move speed up slow down or stop WORK Work is the use of force to move an object When you use energy move your muscles to apply force to a task for example lifting pushing pulling or otherwise moving an object that is considered work Imagine trying to get a nail into a piece of wood without a hammer or gathering a lot of leaves without a rake There are trade offs to all of this help we get from simple machines Using pulleys to pull something heavy up into the air means we don't have to strain our backs trying to lift it but we do have to pull the rope down a greater distance than the heavy object is raised Putting in less effort over a greater distance is usually a good trade off That's why we use simple machines so often
