by Justin
A machine is a device
that makes things easier by changing force and distance
or by changing the direction of the force. A wheel and
axle is a simple machine made up of two circular objects
of different sizes. The wheel is the larger object. It
turns about a smaller object called an axle. Because the
wheel is larger than the axle, it always moves through a
greater distance than the axle. A force applied to the
wheel is multiplied when it is transferred to the axle,
which travels a shorter distance than the wheel.
Remember, work must remain the same. The mechanical
advantage depends on the radius of the wheel and of the
axle. Mechanical advantage means the number of times a
machine multiplies the effort force.Back to Simple Machines |
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Wheel and Axle Animation |
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