Suppose you have a friend who thinks simple machines are not useful today because of all of the complex, modern-day machines we have access to. Write a letter persuading your friend that simple machines are important in everyday life. To help make the letter convincing, give examples of commonly used simple machines. Be sure to tell how these machines make work easier. You can also mention what the result would be if we didn’t have simple machines. You must provide examples of all six machines.

Question

Required Vocabulary: Lever, Pulley, Inclined Plane, Screw, Wedge, Wheel and axle, Fulcrum, Work, Force, Load.

Answer 1

Dear [Friend],

I wanted to take a moment to talk to you about the importance of simple machines in our everyday lives. I know you may think that with all of the complex, modern-day machines we have access to, simple machines are no longer necessary. However, I believe that simple machines play a crucial role in making our daily tasks easier and more efficient.

Let's start by discussing some examples of commonly used simple machines. Firstly, the lever is a simple machine that helps us lift heavy objects with less effort. Think about how a seesaw at the playground uses a fulcrum to help balance the weight of two children. Without the lever, we would struggle to lift heavy objects on our own.

Next, let's talk about the pulley, which allows us to hoist and lower objects with ease. Just imagine trying to move heavy furniture up a flight of stairs without a pulley system. The pulley makes it possible for us to lift heavy loads by distributing the weight more evenly and reducing the force needed.

Another important simple machine is the inclined plane, which helps us move objects up or down a slope. A ramp is a perfect example of an inclined plane that allows us to push heavy objects like a wheelchair or a cart with less force. Without inclined planes, we would have to lift heavy objects straight up, which would require much more effort.

The screw is another essential simple machine that allows us to hold objects together or lift them. Just think about how screws are used to secure pieces of furniture or machinery. Without screws, it would be much harder to assemble things and keep them in place.

The wedge is a simple machine that helps us split objects apart or hold them in place. For example, a knife uses a wedge to cut through food, and a doorstop uses a wedge to hold a door open. Wedges make it easier for us to perform tasks that require splitting or securing objects.

Lastly, the wheel and axle are simple machines that allow us to move objects with less friction. Just look at how wheels on a car or a bicycle make it easier for us to travel long distances. The wheel and axle reduce the amount of force needed to move something by distributing the load over a larger surface area.

In conclusion, simple machines play a vital role in our everyday lives by making work easier and more efficient. Without them, we would struggle to lift heavy objects, move things up or down slopes, secure items together, or even travel long distances. It's clear that simple machines are still relevant and important in today's world, alongside our modern-day technologies.

I hope this letter has helped you see the value of simple machines in our lives. Next time you come across a seesaw, a pulley system, a ramp, a screw, a wedge, or a wheel and axle, take a moment to appreciate the ingenious design that makes our daily tasks a little bit easier.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I look forward to discussing this further with you.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]