Simple Machine

Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Simple Machine shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Simple Machine offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Simple Machine at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Simple Machine? Wrong! If the Simple Machine is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Simple Machine then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Simple Machine? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Simple Machine and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Simple Machine wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Simple Machine then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Simple Machine site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Simple Machine, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Simple Machine, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

In physics, a simple machine is any device that only requires the application of a single force to work. Mechanical work is done when a force is applied and results in movement over a set distance. The work done is the product of the force and the distance. The amount of work required to achieve a set objective is constant; however the force required can be reduced provided the lesser force is applied over a longer distance. The ratio between the two forces is the mechanical advantage.

The traditional list of simple machines is:

The wheel and axle (O)
The lever (T)
The pulley (U)
The wedge (mechanics) (V wedge; X wedge)
The screw (simple machine) (Y)
The gear (G)
The inclined plane (L)

(The letters are a mnemonic, because their shapes resemble the shapes of the simple machines.)

The ratio of the output force to the input force is the mechanical advantage. For example, the mechanical advantage of a lever is equal to the ratio of its two arms. The mechanical advantage of an inclined plane (with the force acting parallel to the plane) is the cosecant of the angle of inclination.

Note: Real machines are also affected by factors such as friction and elasticity, so the actual mechanical advantage of a simple machine will usually differ from its theoretical value.

These simple machines fall into two general classes; those dependent on the vector (spatial) resolution of forces (inclined plane, wedge, screw) and those in which there is an mechanical equilibrium of torques (lever, pulley, wheel). Simple machines are often used in combination as components of more complex machines. For example: wheels, axles, levers, and pulleys are all used in the formation of modern bicycles.

Variations to the list of simple machines:

Some say there are only six simple machines, arguing that the wedge is a moving inclined plane.
Others further simplify the list to four saying that the screw is a helical inclined plane. This position is less accepted because a screw simultaneously converts a rotational force (torque) to a linear force.
Some go even further to insist that only two simple machines exist, as a pulley and wheel and axle can be viewed as unique forms of levers, leaving only the lever and the inclined plane.
Hydraulic and hydrostatic systems are sometimes included.