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Simple machine
mechanical device that changes the direction or magnitude of a force / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A simple machine is a device that can change the direction or the magnitude of a force, or the point where it is applied. This is done so that the force can be used to do work. All mechanical machines are made by combining simple machines.
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There are six basic "simple machines", as defined by Renaissance scientists:[1]
- The lever (also called a rope or staff) can move the point at which a force is applied and may also change the magnitude and direction of the force.
- The wheel changes the direction in which the force is applied.
- The pulley changes the point where a force is applied and may also change its magnitude and direction.
- The inclined plane allows one to use less force to move an object.
- The wedge is a tool used to push two things apart such as the blade of a sword and knife does when it cuts wood it also can be used to lift an object or hold an object in place.
- The screw that converts rotational motion to linear motion, and a rotational force to a linear force.
The use of simple machines can be traced back to homo habilis (the first humans to use tools), but certain animals other than man also use them.
A compound machine is made up of two or more simple machines.