4.43. Wedge http://www.ck12.org
FIGURE 4.87
Summary
- A wedge is a simple machine that consists of two inclined planes, giving it a thin end and thick end. Force is
applied to the thick end of the wedge, and the sloping sides of the wedge apply force to the object, cutting it
or splitting it apart. - A wedge makes work easier by increasing the force applied to the object, although it applies the force over a
shorter distance. This gives the wedge a mechanical advantage greater than 1.
Vocabulary
- wedge: Simple machine that consists of two inclined planes.
Explore More
At the following URL, click on the wedge to view the animation. Then answer the questions below.
http://www.cosi.org/downloads/activities/simplemachines/sm1.html
- How is the mechanical advantage of a wedge calculated in the animation?
- Use this method to calculate the mechanical advantage of the wedge shown in theFigure4.88.
- What is the maximum distance a wedge can penetrate an object when the thick end of the wedge is struck?
- Why is a wedge one of the least efficient simple machines?