Machine

A machine is a thing that is created by people to make work easier. It is a tool or invention which multiplies the effect of human effort. The machine produces a mechanical advantage.

An early printing press machine

Some machines have many parts that move. Examples are bicycles and clocks.

Some machines do not have parts that move. Examples are computers and telephones.

People have used machines since before there was history.

Often a machine will change one form of energy to another form of energy. Simple machines increase or change the direction of a force.

Simple machine

There are six 'simple machines'. They are:

• the wedge,
• the Inclined plane (ramp),
• the screw,
• the lever,
• the pulley,
• and the wheel and axle.

Compound machines are made up of two or more simple machines.