Saturday, May 2, 2015

What compound machines are used daily?

Machines are tools that make our lives easier. There are various kinds of tools, from the simple inclined plane that helps us go up a ramp, to complicated machinery. 


A basic type of machine is called a simple machine. A simple machine is a simple device or tool that simply changes the direction or the magnitude of a force. The ramp that I mentioned is an example of a simple machine. If you're pushing a...

Machines are tools that make our lives easier. There are various kinds of tools, from the simple inclined plane that helps us go up a ramp, to complicated machinery. 


A basic type of machine is called a simple machine. A simple machine is a simple device or tool that simply changes the direction or the magnitude of a force. The ramp that I mentioned is an example of a simple machine. If you're pushing a heavy create, it's hard to get it up a few steps. However, by putting a wooden plank over the steps to serve as a ramp, it is now a lot easier. This changes the direction of the force from horizontal (pushing across the floor) to diagonal (up the stairs). Now, a compound machine is a combination of multiple simple machines, where the output of one is the input of the other, and thus changes direction/magnitude of the force in a series of steps.


Examples of compound machines that we see daily are a can opener and a bicycle. The can opener cuts through the top of the can - and hence has a wedge. There are also screws that make it turn - so it covers the entire can. It also increases the force applied to it. Hence, it is a compound machine. Another common example we see everyday is the bicycle - which is often referred to as a distance multiplier, as it increases the distance you travel for less force (again, a machine can amplify the force). A bicycle works as you pedal through gaskets and it turns the wheels.

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