What is the value of simple machines?
1 Answer
Simple machines offer us 'mechanical advantage' that makes tasks easier or even makes them possible. There are a huge number of examples: I've discussed a couple below.
Explanation:
Simple machines usually use leverage or an angle to convert our human effort in some way to make something easier.
A pair of pliers allows us to grip something more strongly using a lever - well, a pair of levers. Levers work because moving something a large distance when it's further from the fulcrum allows more force on something closer to the fulcrum that moves a shorter distance. The handles are long, the jaws are short. The force our hands can apply is multiplied by the leverage.
A ramp used to roll something up to a higher level is a simple machine: we spread the work of lifting something out over a longer time, so less force is required at any particular time. Anything with a screw thread on it uses the same principle: the angle of the thread spreads the effort out over time, allowing us to apply more force.
