Summarizing Simple Machines

Summary

  • Simple machines are devices that can be used to multiply or augment a force that we apply – often at the expense of a distance through which we have to apply the force.
  • The ratio of output to input forces for any simple machine is called its mechanical advantage
  • A few simple machines are the lever, nail puller, wheelbarrow, crank, etc.

Glossary

mechanical advantage

the ratio of output to input forces for any simple machine

This lesson is part of:

Statics and Torque

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