The Physics
Opus in profectus

Simple Machines

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In the most general sense, a machine is any device that can be used to perform a task. In the mechanical sense, a machine is a device for transmitting work from one location to another.

Work is defined as the product of force and displacement…

W = FΔs

Machines are devices by means of which a primary force (called the effort) exerted over some displacement at one location gives rise to a secondary force (called the load) and displacement at a different location. The work done on the machine at the effort end is called the work in and the work done by the machine at the load end is called the work out.

work done on the machine
Win = FeffortΔseffort
work done by the machine
Wout = FloadΔsload

The load and effort usually differ in magnitude and direction as well as location. In the ideal world, mechanical energy is never lost to other forms and work in equals work out. (Oh happy day!) In the real world, however, mechanical energy is always lost, so work in is strictly greater than work out. (Curses, foiled again!)

ideal machine
Win = Wout
FeffortΔseffort = FloadΔsload
real machine
Win > Wout
FeffortΔseffort > FloadΔsload

Efficiency, Well, I like this part.

η =  Wout

Except for the Greek eta (η) symbol. It looks too much like the Latin letter n.

The human body is exceptionally efficient at extracting energy from food. Feces retain only about 5% of the chemical energy originally present in the food consumed.

Whad'ya think of that?

mechanical advantage, ho hum

M.A. =  Feffort

velocity ratio, hum ho.

V.R. =  vload

classical machines, simple machines. Is this topic even worth teaching anymore?

The classical list counts 6 devices, but 3 of them are variations of the same thing.

1st use in english 1545, for a different purpose

1545 in J. Schäfer Early Mod. Eng. Lexicogr. (1989) II. (at cited word), The hole machyne of this world is divided in .2. parte. That is to saye, in the celestiall and into the elementall regions.

More OED


simple machine n. one in which there is no combination of parts, e.g. a lever, or any other of the so-called mechanical powers.

Why is the inclined plane on this list? In my opinion, it doesn't belong here because we shouldn't be using the word "machine". On an inclined plane, there is no distinction between load an effort locations, unless a machine is…

Effort is the unaltered force. Load is the altered force.