Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What are the six simple machines?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
machine
Six simple machines for transforming energy into work.
Simple machines are elementary devices that use mechanical advantage to modify motion and force, allowing work to be performed more effectively. There are six classic simple machines:12
- Lever: A rigid bar or board that pivots on a support called a fulcrum to lift heavy weights with less effort.2
- Wheel and axle: A circular frame (the wheel) that revolves on a shaft (the axle), often used to raise weights or transmit force.2
- Pulley: A wheel with a grooved rim that carries a rope or cable, used to transmit energy and motion or to lift heavy loads.2
- Inclined plane: A sloping surface used to raise heavy objects, reducing the force required compared to lifting them vertically.2
- Wedge: An object tapering to a thin edge, used for splitting, lifting, or tightening materials.2
- Screw: A cylindrical device with a helical rib that converts rotational motion or torque into linear thrust.2