SIMPLE
MACHINES
OBJECTIVES
01
Analyze and explain the specific characteristics that
contribute to the high efficiency of simple and complex
machines based on principles of translational and rotational
motion.
02
Construct functional prototypes of designed simple or
complex machines using appropriate materials and tools,
demonstrating the application of translational and rotational
motion principles.
Value the critical role of mechanical efficiency and the
03 application of translational/rotational motion principles in real-
world contexts by evaluating the impact of efficient machine
design on resource conservation and sustainability in everyday
technologies.
SHARE
What do you think is happening
here?
How is the person able to lift the
other person at the end of the
seesaw and vice versa?
Have you ever used something like
A machine is any device or tool that
a ramp, scissors, or a wheelbarrow?
helps make work easier by applying,
Did it make the task easier?
changing, or redirecting force.
MACHINE
any device that transfers or transforms
energy to perform work by:
Changing the magnitude of a force
(e.g., lifting heavy weights with less
effort),
Altering the direction of a force (e.g.,
pulling down to lift a load up),
Converting one form of motion into
another (e.g., rotation → linear
motion).
SIMPLE MACHINES
A simple machine is a tool or device that reduces the amount of effort
needed to do work by changing the direction or amount of force applied.
SIMPLE
MACHINES
One of six basic mechanical
devices with no or few
moving parts that provide a
mechanical advantage using
a single motion.
LEVER
A bar that pivots around a fixed
point called the fulcrum. It is used
to lift or move loads by applying
force on one end.
Example:
A seesaw lets you lift a person by
applying force on the opposite side.
FIRST-CLASS Example:
LEVER Seesaw
Fulcrum (F) is between Scissors
Effort (E) and Load (L). Crowbar
Mechanical Advantage: Can
multiply force or
speed/distance (depending
on fulcrum position).
Changes direction of force
(e.g., downward effort →
upward load).
SECOND-CLASS Example:
LEVER Wheelbarrow
Load (L) is between Nutcracker
Fulcrum (F) and Effort Bottle
(E). opener
Mechanical Advantage:
Always multiplies force
(Effort < Load).
Drawback: Limited
range of motion.
THIRD-CLASS Example:
LEVER Tweezers
Effort (E) is between Fishing rod
Fulcrum (F) and Load (L). Broom
Mechanical Advantage: (sweeping)
Always multiplies
speed/distance (Effort >
Load).
Drawback: Requires more
effort than the load.
CLASSIFY
1.Scissors
2.Wheelbarrow
3.Tweezers
4.Bottle opener
5.Fishing rod
6.Nutcracker
7.Broom (when sweeping)
8.See-saw
9.Stapler (when stapling)
10.Baseball bat (during swing)
CLASSIFY
1.Scissors
2.Wheelbarrow
3.Tweezers
4.Bottle opener
5.Fishing rod
6.Nutcracker
7.Broom (when sweeping)
8.See-saw
9.Stapler (when stapling)
10.Baseball bat (during swing)
ANSWERS
1. FIRST CLASS
2. SECOND CLASS
3. THIRD CLASS
4. SECOND CLASS
5. THIRD CLASS
6. SECOND CLASS
7. THIRD CLASS
8. FIRST CLASS
9. SECOND/THIRD CLASS
10. THIRD CLASS
PULLEY
A wheel with a grooved rim and a
rope or cable that helps lift or lower
loads by changing the direction of
force.
Example:
A flagpole pulley makes it easier to
raise the flag by pulling downward.
PULLEY
It changes the direction of
the force applied, and when
multiple pulleys are used
together (a pulley system), it
can also reduce the force
needed to lift a load.
SINGLE FIXED Example:
PULLEY
The single fixed pulley
makes it easier to move
the load by pulling
downwards. It does not
reduce the effort and is
therefore not a force
multiplier. The mechanical
advantage is one.
SINGLE Example:
MOVABLE
PULLEY
The movable pulley is
attached to the load and
moves with it. The effort is
reduced by half; therefore,
it is a force multiplier. The
mechanical advantage is
two.
MULTIPLE Example:
PULLEY
This is made up of two or more
pulleys. One of the pulleys is
fixed while the other moves with
the load. In two pulley systems
the effort is reduced by half but
the distance moved by the
effort is doubled. As more pulley
is added the effort is reduced
but the distance increases.
INCLINED PLANE
An inclined plane is a flat surface tilted at an
angle. It allows you to raise or lower objects more
easily by increasing the distance over which the
force is applied.
Example:
A wheelchair ramp allows people to move upward
without lifting directly.
WEDGE
A wedge is made of two inclined planes
joined together, forming a sharp edge. It
is used to split, cut, or separate materials
by applying force to the blunt end,
which is then redirected outwards
through the inclined surfaces.
Example:
A knife is a wedge that cuts through
food or materials with ease.
SCREW
A screw is an inclined plane that is
wrapped around a center shaft (like
a pole). A screw converts a turning
motion into a forward force and
can be used to hold things
together or lift objects.
Example:
A screw holds two pieces of wood
together when building furniture.
KEY PHYSICS PRINCIPLES
1.Force Conversion:
Rotational force (torque) → Linear force (compression/tension).
2.Work Principle:
Trade-off: Apply small force over large rotational distance → Output large
force over small linear distance.
3.Friction Dependency:
Threads increase friction (useful for holding things in place).
WHEEL AND AXLE
The wheel and axle system consists of a larger wheel attached to a smaller
central rod (the axle). When the wheel turns, the axle turns with it, helping
to reduce friction and making it easier to move or turn objects.
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