When you push or pull with a simple machine, you are applying a force and doing work. And, if you get more force out of a machine than you put into it, then that machine has a mechanical advantage.

Simple machines make work easier, not less work, says Rick Crosslin, scientist. He joined us today to demonstrate how simple machines work. In our case, Randy was the “load” and Amber was the “effort.

Find out more about the inclined plane, the pulley and the screw. Find out more about three of the six simple machines: the inclined plane, the pulley and the screw. These simple machines make work ...