Simple Machines
1. (Knowledge) What is a simple machine?
a) A device that creates energy
b) A device that makes work easier by reducing force or changing direction
c) A device that stops motion
d) A device that increases work done
2. (Comprehension) Which of the following is not a type of simple machine?
a) Lever
b) Inclined plane
c) Motor
d) Pulley
3. (Application) A person uses a ramp to move a heavy box onto a truck. What type of simple
machine is being used?
a) Lever
b) Pulley
c) Inclined plane
d) Screw
4. (Analysis) Which of the following simple machines increases the distance required to move
an object but reduces the force needed?
a) Lever
b) Inclined plane
c) Wedge
d) Screw
5. (Synthesis) If a worker wants to lift a heavy object with minimal effort, which simple
machine should they use?
a) Pulley system
b) Wedge
c) Screw
d) Wheel and axle
6. (Evaluation) Why is a pulley better than lifting an object directly?
a) It eliminates gravity
b) It reduces the amount of force needed
c) It increases the weight of the object
d) It stops movement
7. (Knowledge) What is the purpose of a lever?
a) To change the direction of force and make lifting easier
b) To stop motion completely
c) To create energy
d) To reduce weight
8. (Comprehension) How does a wheel and axle make work easier?
a) By reducing the amount of force needed to move objects
b) By increasing friction
c) By lifting objects vertically
d) By making objects heavier
9. (Application) A carpenter uses a screw to attach two pieces of wood. Why is a screw
useful?
a) It holds materials together more securely than a nail
b) It increases the force needed to hold wood together
c) It moves objects by rotating them
d) It acts like a pulley
10. (Analysis) A wedge is similar to which other simple machine?
a) Lever
b) Inclined plane
c) Pulley
d) Screw
11. (Synthesis) If a factory wanted to reduce the effort needed to transport heavy loads over
long distances, which simple machine would be most useful?
a) Lever
b) Pulley
c) Wheel and axle
d) Wedge
12. (Evaluation) Why is a wedge useful in cutting objects?
a) It increases force in a small area to split materials apart
b) It reduces the force needed
c) It changes direction without increasing force
d) It keeps objects in place
13. (Knowledge) What are the three classes of levers based on?
a) The size of the lever
b) The location of the effort, fulcrum, and load
c) The weight of the object
d) The speed of movement
14. (Comprehension) Why do ramps help people lift objects more easily?
a) They reduce the amount of work needed
b) They increase the force needed but reduce the distance
c) They increase the distance traveled but reduce the force needed
d) They make objects lighter
15. (Application) A worker needs to lift a heavy box using a first-class lever. Where should
they place the fulcrum to make lifting easier?
a) In the center
b) Close to the load
c) Close to the effort
d) Under the effort
16. (Analysis) Which simple machine is used in a flagpole system to raise and lower a flag?
a) Inclined plane
b) Lever
c) Pulley
d) Screw
17. (Synthesis) A bottle opener is an example of which type of simple machine?
a) Lever
b) Wedge
c) Screw
d) Pulley
18. (Evaluation) Why might a screw be more useful than a nail?
a) It is harder to remove
b) It requires less force to drive in
c) It holds materials together more securely
d) It moves objects in a straight line
19. (Knowledge) What simple machine is used in scissors?
a) Lever and wedge
b) Screw and pulley
c) Inclined plane and wheel
d) Wheel and axle
20. (Comprehension) What is the main function of all simple machines?
a) To increase work done
b) To reduce the effort needed to do work
c) To create new energy
d) To make objects heavier
