Professor Beaker's Learning Labs

Simple Machines in Machines

Assessment questions about simple machines.

Question: What machines have more than one simple machine in them?

Answer: A machine is a structure that consists of a framework and a number of parts that are fixed or can move to do work. A machine can be as straightforward as a screw or as complex as a bus.

Machines often use one or more simple machines (wedge, screw, inclined plane, wheel and axle, lever, pulley) that work together to do a job.

Here are a few examples of everyday machines that contain several simple machines.

A manual can-opener:

  • The handle you turn to make the can rotate is a wheel and axle.

  • The two long arms that clamp the can securely make a lever.
  • The circular wheel that cuts the can lid is sharpened to make a wedge.

A corkscrew:

  • The handle at the top that you turn is a wheel and axle.

  • The spiral metal piece that screws into the cork is a screw.
  • The two side arms that are pushed down are two levers.(not all corkscrews have these handles)

A clamp:

  • The rod that you turn to tighten the clamp is a wheel and axle.

  • The threaded rod that moves to hold the item securely is a screw.

A pair of scissors:

  • The two arms that you squeeze together are levers.

  • The cutting edges of the scissor blades are sharpened to be wedges.

A bicycle:

  • The handle bars and pedal are wheel and axle mechanisms.

  • The hand brakes contain levers.

 

                       Some machines with simple machines in them.

Canopener_machineClamp_machineCorkscrew_machine

          Can-opener                    Clamp                             Corkscrew

 

 


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This page last updated on: June 3, 1999
Page created by Eric Fyon
URL: http://www.professorbeaker.com/simplemachines_inmachines.html
© 1999 Andy Fyon

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