Examples Of Wedges Simple Machines

Examples Of Wedges Simple Machines

Wedges and screws are two of the six types of simple machines, and they are used in many different areas of our lives. In this lesson, learn about the similarities and differences between wedges. On the second week of our Simple Machines unit, we studied wedges and levers. Key concept of wedges: A wedge is two inclined planes, brought together in a sharp edge. You place that sharp edge on an object you want to cut or separate, then you add force to the flat side (input force, shown with the hammer above). Wedge Simple Machine Examples at Home Wedges are one of the most common types of simple machines you can find around your house. A wedge is “a tool used to split something into pieces or the shape of anything that has two edges that meet at a point.” ax (pictured at top).

A simple machineis a basic mechanical device that helps you perform work. All six types of simple machines can most likely be found around your house. Explore simple machine examples to see which types of machines you use every day.

Simple machine wedge axe splitting wood

Inclined Plane Simple Machine Examples at Home

An inclined plane is fairly easy to spot because it is “a surface that is at an angle against a horizontal surface.”

  • ladder
  • sidewalk curb ramp
  • slanted roof
  • slide
  • stairs
  • wheelchair ramp

Examples Of Wedge Simple Machines And Names

Pulley Simple Machine Examples at Home

While homepulley examples are hard to come by, you probably have at least one of these at home. A pulley is “a small fixed wheel or a group of such wheels with a rope or chain in a grooved rim that is used to lift something up.”

MachinesExamples
  • clothesline
  • curtains (with string to open and close)
  • dog run
  • extension ladder
  • flag pole
  • garage door
  • universal weight machine
  • well
  • window blinds

Screw Simple Machine Examples at Home

Aside from actual screws, there are many examples of screw machines in most homes. A screw is “any of various devices operating or threaded like a screw.”

Examples Of Wedges Simple Machines
  • bolt
  • car jack
  • drill
  • end of a hose
  • end of a light bulb
  • faucet
  • gas tank cap
  • jar lid
  • wine corkscrew
Examples

Wheel and Axle Simple Machine Examples at Home

You might be surprised how many everyday wheel and axle examples you can find in your house. As the name implies, a wheel and axle is “a larger wheel or pulley that is fixed to a shaft, a smaller wheel or pulley, or a drum, to increase mechanical advantage or speed.”

  • analog clock
  • bicycle gears
  • door hinge
  • doorknob
  • electric fan
  • office chair wheels
  • pizza cutter
  • pocket door
  • screwdriver
  • toilet paper roll on a spinning holder

Wedge Simple Machine Examples at Home

Wedges are one of the most common types of simple machines you can find around your house. A wedge is “a tool used to split something into pieces or the shape of anything that has two edges that meet at a point.”

  • ax (pictured at top)
  • cheese grater
  • chisel
  • door stopper
  • fork
  • knife
  • nail
  • needle
  • shim
  • shovel
  • snowplow attachment for tractor, truck, or ATV
  • staple
  • tack/pushpin
  • vegetable peeler
  • zipper

Lever Simple Machine Examples at Home

A lever is “a device consisting of a bar turning about a fixed point, the fulcrum, using power or force applied at a second point to lift or sustain a weight at a third point.” Explore a few lever examples you probably see on a daily basis.

  • balance scale
  • bottle opener
  • broom
  • claw end of a hammer
  • door
  • fishing rod
  • handheld garlic press
  • handheld juicer
  • handheld nutcracker
  • light switch
  • nail clippers
  • pliers
  • scissors
  • seesaw or teeter-totter
  • stapler
  • toilet seat
  • tongs
  • tweezers
  • water pipes (not all)
  • wheelbarrow

Examples Of Pulleys Simple Machines

Simple Machines That Help You Every Day

Examples Of Wedges Simple Machines For Kids

Did you know there were so many simple machines making your life easier at home every day? Take a walk around your house and see what other great examples of simple machines you can find.

Examples Of Wedges Simple Machines For Kids

M.S. Counselor Education

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