Simple Machine

Simple Machine

A machine is a device which is used to do work in a more convenient way or used to speed up work.

A machine can also be defined as any device by means of which a force applied at one point can be used to overcome a resistance at some other point.

Machines are used for various purposes. They are as follows:

(1) Transfer of Force

With the help of machine we can transfer force from one place to another. e.g.,

(a) While driving a nail into a wall, the force of our hand is transferred to the nail with the help of hammer.

(b) While driving a cycle we transfer the force of our feet to its wheels.

(2) Enlargement of The Effect of Force

With the help of a machine we can lift much heavier load or overcome much greater resistance by applying comparatively smaller force. e.g., we lift heavy vehicles with the help of a screw jack. In this case the screw jack enlarges the magnitude of force of our hand.

(3) Change in the Speed of Work

Some machines are used to increase the speed of work e.g., by using a bicycle we can travel larger distance then by foot in the same interval of time, while in some cases machines are used to reduce the speed of work e.g. use of gears in a car.

(4) Change in the Direction of Force

Some machines are used to change the direction of the force e.g., while raising or lifting the bucket of water from a well we use a pulley and in this case we apply the force in the downward direction while the bucket moves in the upward direction.