Engineering Mechanics
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Simple Machines
In the field of mechanics, a simple machine is a machine that allows us to lift heavy
loads with comparatively less effort. The effort applied to a simple machine is less than
the load lifted. A screw jack, for instance, is a small machine that is used to lift heavy
loads like a car. By rotating the handle of a screw jack, we apply less effort than the
weight of the car.
Examples of Simple Machines
Screw jack
Nail cutter
Hand pump
Other examples of simple machines exist, where less effort is applied to lift heavy
loads.
Compound Machines
Compound machines are machines that combine several simple machines to lift heavy
loads. Cranes, bulldozers, and trucks are examples of compound machines.
Load and Effort
The load is the resistance that needs to be overcome to lift a certain load, denoted by
capital W. Effort, denoted by the letter P, is the quantity applied to lift the load. In a
simple machine, the load is always greater than the effort.
This video covered the basic definitions of simple machines, compound machines, load,
and effort.