what is wedge

A wedge is a triangular shaped tool, a portable inclined plane, and one of the six simple machines. It can be used to separate two objects or portions of an object, lift up an object, or hold an object in place. Wedges have existed for thousands of years and have been made of various materials such as stone, metal, wood, or plastic. They are used for cutting, splitting, tightening, holding back, and scraping. Examples of wedges include nails, knives, axes, and doorstoppers. The force applied to the thick end of the wedge overcomes the resistance of the material, and the force is directed downwards, but the wedge directs the force sideways as it drives into the material. In addition to being a simple machine, wedges have been used for millions of years by earlier humans for hunting, cutting and trimming trees, and carving stones. The concept of wedges is also used in modern transportation, such as in jets, fast cars, speed boats, and trains, which have pointed noses to help them cut through the air. A wedge is also defined as a piece of a substance that tapers to a thin edge and is used for splitting wood and rocks, raising heavy bodies, or for tightening. It can also be used to pack or fix tightly, thrust, drive, or fix something like a wedge. A wedge is a simple machine that consists of two inclined planes, giving it a thin end and a thick end.