SIMPLE MACHINES

6th Grade

WHAT IS A SIMPLE MACHINE? Machines that are used to reduce the

amount of force required to do work EX: Lift a load But you must apply this force over a

greater distance The amount of WORK stays the same

INCLINED PLANE A slope or a ramp Any slanted surface used to raise a load

from a lower level to a higher level What are some real-life examples of

inclined planes?

EXAMPLES OF INCLINED PLANES Ramps used for wheel chairs An escalator Ramps to load luggage onto a plane

ADVANTAGES OF INCLINED PLANES Advantage: Helps a person to move or raise heavy objects.

Advantage: Lift with LESS FORCE…

Disadvantage: but the distance over which it moves is greater.

PULLEY A simple machine A wheel with a groove in it A rope/cable goes into the groove

PULLEYS CAN: Change direction of force

Change amount of force

The amount of WORK stays the same

FIXED PULLEY Stays attached. Does NOT change the amount of force

Only changes the direction of force. Easier to push down than to pull up.

The amount of WORKstays the same

http://www.the-office.com/summerlift/pulleybasics.htm

The amount of WORK stays the same

MOVEABLE PULLEYThe mass is attached to the pulley.

The pulley moves on the rope.

Advantage:Reduces the amount of force needed to move the mass.

Disadvantage:You have to pull up on the pulley The amount of WORK stays the

same