ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the basic principles of simple machines and mechanical power transmission with a discussion of machines such as levers, pulleys, gears. A machine is defined as a mechanical device which enables an effort force to be magnified or reduced or applied in a more convenient line of action. For an ideal machine where there are no frictional forces, mechanical energy is conserved and so the work done by the effort must equal the work done by the load. Levers are simple machines. There are three basic types of lever. One has the effort and load on opposite sides of the fulcrum, a force amplifier. Another has the effort and load on the same side of the fulcrum but with the effort at the greater distance and is a force amplifier. The third has the effort and load on the same side of the fulcrum but with the load at the greater distance and is a movement amplifier.
