Simple Machines That DO Change Force Direction:
* Lever: A lever pivots around a fixed point (fulcrum) to change the direction of force. Examples: seesaw, crowbar, bottle opener.
* Pulley: A pulley uses a wheel and rope to change the direction of force, often allowing you to pull downward to lift an object upward.
* Inclined Plane: While not directly changing direction, an inclined plane allows you to apply force in a horizontal direction to move an object vertically.
Simple Machines That DO NOT Change Force Direction:
* Wheel and Axle: This machine primarily amplifies force, but the direction remains the same. Think of a steering wheel or a doorknob.
* Wedge: A wedge is used to split or separate objects, and the force is generally applied in the same direction as the splitting action.
* Screw: A screw converts rotational motion into linear motion, but the force doesn't change direction significantly.
Key Takeaway:
The main simple machines that don't change the direction of force are those that primarily focus on amplifying force or converting motion rather than redirecting it.