Simple Machines — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Why does using a longer ramp require less force to move a heavy box?
A) The box becomes lighter on a longer ramp
B) The force is spread over a greater distance
C) Longer ramps have no friction
D) The box rolls faster on longer ramps
A longer ramp spreads the force over a greater distance, so less effort is needed at any one point to move the load.
2. Which tool is an example of two levers working together?
A) A hammer
B) A pair of scissors
C) A screwdriver
D) A light bulb
Scissors are made of two levers joined at a fulcrum (the pivot point), allowing you to cut by squeezing the handles together.
3. A child sits far from the fulcrum on a seesaw. What happens?
A) The seesaw breaks apart
B) The child has more lifting force on the other side
C) The seesaw cannot move at all
D) The child weighs less than before
When the heavier child sits closer to the fulcrum, the child on the other side has a longer lever arm, giving them more lifting force.
4. Which simple machine would best help raise a bucket of water from a well?
A) Wedge
B) Inclined plane
C) Screw
D) Pulley
A pulley uses a rope wrapped around a wheel to change the direction of force and help lift heavy loads.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. A screwdriver turns a screw by acting as a wheel and axle.
A steering wheel is a wheel and axle — turning the large wheel rotates the smaller axle to steer the vehicle.
2. A wedge is a thick-to-thin shaped tool used to split or separate objects.
A chisel is a wedge because it has a thin, sharp edge that splits or carves materials apart.
3. The six simple machines are the lever, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge, and screw.
A jar lid works like a screw — the spiral grooves around the lid grip onto the jar when twisted.
4. Construction workers use pulleys to lift heavy steel beams to the top of buildings.
Cranes use pulleys with ropes and wheels to lift very heavy loads like steel beams to great heights.
5. A bolt holds things together using spiral threads cut into its surface.
The threads on a screw are spiral ridges that grip into materials and help hold things together tightly.