ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the basic types of machines. The efficiency of a machine is a measure of how much work it puts out versus how much work goes in. It will always be less than one because of friction. A wheel and axle machine converts a large rotary motion into a small one, but it increases the output force. Wedges are generally used as aids in splitting things apart. A wedge typically has a lot of friction, and therefore its efficiency is very low. The efficiency of a machine is a measure of how much work it puts out versus how much work goes in. It will always be less than one because of friction. Wedges are generally used as aids in splitting things apart. A wedge typically has a lot of friction, and therefore its efficiency is very low.
