Glossary

A compound machine consists of two or more simple machines put together. In fact, most machines are compound machines. Compound machines can do more difficult jobs than simple machines alone. Their mechanical advantage is far greater, too. Some examples are a pair of scissors and a bicycle.

A Fulcrum is a pivot point or rotation point.

A Load is the amount of resistance that needs to be overcome to do the desired work.

Using a machine to multiply human strength or force.

A simple machine is a mechanical device that changes the direction or magnitude of a force. This creates mechanical advantage.