Simple Machines Flashcards

Grade 3 · Science · Flashcards

Study vocabulary for the six simple machines and how they work.

Flashcards

simple machine: A device with few or no moving parts that makes work easier
lever: A rigid bar that pivots on a fulcrum to move objects with less force
fulcrum: The fixed pivot point on which a lever turns
wheel and axle: A wheel attached to a rod; turning the wheel moves the axle with more force
pulley: A grooved wheel with a rope used to lift objects or change force direction
inclined plane: A flat ramp that makes it easier to move objects upward
wedge: A thick-to-thin device that splits or cuts objects apart
screw: An inclined plane wrapped in a spiral around a cylinder
mechanical advantage: The benefit gained from using a machine — the ratio of output force to input force
compound machine: A machine made of two or more simple machines working together
work: In science: force applied over a distance to move an object
effort force: The force YOU apply to a machine to do work