What Kind Of Simple Machine Is An Axe Head [With Examples]

We all have heard about simple machines and their types. It’s a device that changes the magnitude or direction of the force. Simple machines are of six types that include lever, wedge, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, and screw. But what kind of simple machine is an axe head?

That’s what we’ll be discussing in this article today. Stick to the end to discover all the information you need to know regarding this topic.

What Kind of Simple Machine is an Axe Head?

Many of you must be wondering what machine is an axe head. Let me put your minds to peace. An axe head is a wedge.

To understand the concept with ease, you need to know what a wedge is. The definition of a wedge is pretty straightforward. A wedge is defined as an object that tapers to a thin edge. If you push the wedge in one direction, it will create force in sideways directions.

So, you can imagine how the axe blade distributes the force to the sides and split wood. Another interesting thing to mention here is that the axe handle works as a lever.

So, if you’re asking an axe blade is an example of which simple machine, the answer will differ from the question we’re discussing. An axe as a whole is a combination of two simple machines. The handle is a lever and the blade is a wedge.

6 Simple Machines & Their Examples

You can have a clearer idea about what kind of machine axe head by learning about all the simple machines. As you may already know, there are six of them. Let’s take a deeper look at each of them.

1. Lever

A lever can be defined by a board or bar resting on a support. The support is labeled as a fulcrum. When you exert a downward force on one end, it transfers to the other end and increases the force. So, you can create a larger amount of force on the other hand by exerting a small force from one end.

As I have mentioned before, an axe handle works as a lever to reduce the work of a woodcutter. The handle allows him to split wood with minimum effort.

The lever is a primary mechanism for multiplying force, which relates to the pulley and the wheel and axle.

Examples: Seesaws, crowbars, axe handles, and tweezers.

2. Wedge

Let’s revise a bit about what a wedge is. The functionality of a wedge is to distribute the force sideways. So, it changes the direction of the force. When you push a wedge towards one direction, it changes the direction of the force to the sides.

As explained before, an axe is an example of wedge. This mechanism allows the axe to split logs with less effort.

Examples: Axes, knives, and chisels.

3. Wheel And Axle

A rod and a round shaft make up this simple machine that multiplies the force exerted by the user and allows them to lift heavy weights.

Transportations with wheels will allow you to move heavy objects with minimum force. It’s because a wheel reduces the friction between the load and the ground and allows the user to move objects with ease.

Examples: Cars, bicycles, scooters, doorknobs, and pencil sharpeners.

4. Pulley

A pulley consists of a wheel that’s wrapped around with a rope. It’s a perfect mechanism for lifting heavyweights from a low-level surface. One end of the pulley will be attached to the object and you will exert force on the other end.

There’s often a groove on the pulley where the rope fits into. Combining multiple pulleys together will allow you to do more powerful jobs with less force.

Examples: Elevators, raising flags, blinds, or sails.

5. Inclined Plane

An inclined plane is a flat surface with one end higher than the other. You can use this simple machine to slide loads up instead of lifting them. The force is spread over a long distance and less force is required to move the object.

Both a wedge and a screw are related to an inclined plane. In a sense, you can say that these two are one type of inclined plane.

Examples: Ramps and slides.

6. Screw

If you wrap a type of inclined pole around a pole, you get a screw. Screws are functional for holding things together or lifting things. Screws with more threads make work easier because the force travels a longer distance.

Examples: Screws, nuts, bolts, light bulbs, and jar lids.

FAQ

Is an axe a lever?

An axe handle is a lever. But when someone says axe, they generally refer to an axe head, which is a wedge.

Is a hammer a simple machine?

A hammer uses the mechanism of a third-class lever. It comes with a fulcrum and a bar that multiplies force. It allows the user to put less force to drive a nail.

What kind of simple machine is a shovel?

A shovel combines two simple machines. Much like the axe, a shovel is a combination of a lever and a wedge. The handle works as a lever and the blade works as a wedge.

Is axe also a lever?

The handle of the axe acts as a lever. However, the axe works as a type of wedge, also known as a dual inclined plane.

Final Verdict

The function of any simple machine is to change the direction or magnitude of a force and multiply it. Simple machines make your job easier and allow you to do heavier jobs with minimum effort.

Hopefully, all your questions regarding what kind of simple machine is an axe head have been answered. A straightforward answer to this question is a wedge. Some other examples of wedges are blades, knives, and saws.

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