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How does a wedge split materials apart?
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Six simple machines for transforming energy into work.
A wedge is a simple machine that tapers to a thin edge, typically constructed from metal or wood. Its ability to split materials relies on the conversion of directional force: when you push a wedge in one direction, the device translates that input into a force acting in a sideways direction.12
This lateral force is what allows the wedge to effectively separate materials, such as splitting logs or rocks. By concentrating the applied force onto a thin edge, the wedge generates the necessary pressure to overcome the material's resistance, forcing it apart. This mechanism is a fundamental principle in various tools, including axes and saw teeth.12