Simple machines are basic mechanical devices that help accomplish physical tasks with few or no moving parts. They are the simplest mechanisms known that can use leverage or mechanical advantage to increase force. Simple machines can be defined as the elementary "building blocks" of which all more complicated machines are composed. There are six types of simple machines:
- Inclined plane: A sloping surface that reduces the force needed to lift an object.
- Lever: A rigid bar that pivots around a fixed point, called a fulcrum, to lift or move a load.
- Wedge: A triangular-shaped object that is used to split, lift, or hold an object in place.
- Wheel and axle: A wheel attached to a shaft, or axle, that is used to move objects easily.
- Pulley: A wheel with a grooved rim that is used to lift or move heavy objects.
- Screw: An inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder or cone that is used to hold objects together or lift them.
Simple machines leverage the unique phenomenon of mechanical advantage of the design, and engineers combine multiple simple machines to create more advanced tools like cars, bicycles, medical devices, and 3D printers. The idea of a simple machine originated with the Greek philosopher Archimedes around the 3rd century BC, who studied the Archimedean simple machines: lever, pulley, and screw.
