Simple Machines Worksheet | PDF - Free Printable

Here's the complete solution to the Simple Machines Worksheet, with explanations for each answer.

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## ✔ Part 1: Matching

Match each simple machine (left) with its correct description (right).

| # | Simple Machine | Correct Match | Explanation |
|---|--------------------|---------------|-------------|
| 1 | Lever | F | A lever turns on a point called a fulcrum (e.g., seesaw, crowbar). |
| 2 | Inclined Plane | D | An inclined plane is simply a ramp — it makes lifting easier by spreading the effort over distance. |
| 3 | Wedge | C | A wedge can split things apart (like an axe) or hold them together (like a doorstop). |
| 4 | Screw | A | A screw is essentially an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder — think of a bolt or jar lid. |
| 5 | Pulley | E | Pulleys help lift heavy objects (like raising a flag) or open doors (like garage doors). It’s often used in systems with ropes and wheels. |
| 6 | Wheel and Axle | G | This is a wheel attached to a central rod (axle). The “grooves around the rim” refer to the wheel’s structure — though this description is a bit misleading; gears have grooves, not typically plain wheels. But among options, G fits best here since E is taken by pulley. *(Note: Some curricula group wheel/axle and gears together, but strictly speaking, gears are separate.)* |
| 7 | Gears | B | Gears are measured by the number of teeth they have — this determines how they mesh and transfer motion. |

> ⚠️ Important Note on #6 & #7:
> - Wheel and Axle is usually described as “a wheel attached to a rod (axle)” — like a doorknob or steering wheel.
> - Gears are toothed wheels that mesh together — so B (“Measured by the number of teeth”) clearly belongs to Gears.
> - That leaves G (“Wheels with grooves around the rim”) — which actually describes gears, not wheel and axle.
>
> This seems like a mismatch in the worksheet.
> But since B must go with Gears, and G is the only remaining option for Wheel and Axle, we assign:
> - Wheel and Axle → G (even though it’s not perfect)
> - Gears → B (correctly matched)

✔ So final matching:

1. F
2. D
3. C
4. A
5. E
6. G
7. B

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## ✔ Part 2: Fill in the Blanks

Use your knowledge of simple machines to fill in the blanks based on the images.

1. The surface of a ski slope is an example of a(an) inclined plane.

> 📌 *Explanation:* A ski slope is a slanted surface — that’s the definition of an inclined plane. It allows skiers to descend with less force than falling straight down.

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2. The part of the oar indicated by the arrow is an example of a(an) lever.

> 📌 *Explanation:* When rowing, the oar pivots on the boat’s side (fulcrum), you push down on one end (effort), and the blade moves water (load). Classic lever!

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3. A doorknob is an example of a(an) wheel and axle.

> 📌 *Explanation:* Turning the knob (wheel) rotates the latch mechanism (axle) inside the door. This is a classic wheel-and-axle system.

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4. A simple machine useful for raising a flag is a(an) pulley.

> 📌 *Explanation:* Flags are raised using a rope and wheel system — that’s a pulley. It changes the direction of force, making it easier to lift the flag vertically.

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5. The part of the ax indicated by the arrow is a(an) wedge.

> 📌 *Explanation:* The sharp edge of the ax is a wedge — it splits wood apart by concentrating force into a narrow area.

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## ✔ Final Answers Summary

Part 1: Matching

1. F
2. D
3. C
4. A
5. E
6. G
7. B

Part 2: Fill in the Blanks

1. inclined plane
2. lever
3. wheel and axle
4. pulley
5. wedge

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Let me know if you’d like a printable version or diagrams to go with these answers! 🎓