Simple Machines
Types of Simple Machines
- Lever (e.g. hammer, seesaw)
- Inclined Plane (e.g. ramp, wedge)
- Wheel and Axle (e.g. door knob)
- Pulley (e.g. block and tackle)
Types of Levers

- Lever - a rigid bar that can turn freely about a pivot or support called a fulcrum.
- First Order Lever (EFL)
(e.g. scissors, pliers, hammer pulling out nail)
- Second Order Lever (FLE)
(e.g. wheel barrow , bottle opener, nutcracker)
- Third Order Lever (FEL)
(e.g. shovel, tongs, fishing rod)
Types of Pulleys

Fixed Pulley

Moveable Pulley
Mechanical Advantage
- Mechanical Advantage of a Lever
MA = | output force | = | Load |
input force | Effort |
- Mechanical Advantage of an Inclined Plane
MA = | Sloped Length of Ramp |
Vertical Height of Ramp |
- Mechanical Advantage of a Wheel and Axle
MA = | Wheel Diameter |
Axle Diameter |
- Mechanical Advantage of a Pulley
MA = Number of ropes supporting the load