Simple Machines Vocabulary
Simple Machine
Energy
One of six kinds of tools with few or not
moving parts that makes work easier
The ability to do work
Work
Something done whenever a force makes
an object move through a distance
Force
A push or a pull
Gravity
The force that makes objects pull
toward each other
Friction
The force caused by two objects rubbing
together that slows down or stops moving
objects
Lever
A simple machine made of a bar that is
supported underneath with a fulcrum
Fulcrum
Point on which a lever is supported and
turns
Load
An object that is being moved
Inclined plane
A simple machine that is a flat surface
with one end higher than the other
Wedge
A simple machine used to cut or split an
object
Screw
A simple machine used to hold objects
together
Wheel and axle
A simple machine that has a center rod
attached to a wheel
Pulley
A simple machine made of a wheel and
rope; can move objects up, down, or
sideways
Gear
A wheel with jagged edges like teeth
Compound machine
A machine made of two or more simple
machines