machine
machine Device that modifies or transmits a force in order to do useful work. In a basic (simple) machine, a force (effort) overcomes a larger force (load). The ratio of the load (output force) to the effort (input force) is the machine's force ratio, formerly called mechanical advantage. The ratio of the distance moved by the load to the distance moved by the effort is the distance ratio (formerly velocity ratio). The ratio of the work done by the machine to that put in it is the efficiency, usually expressed as a percentage. The three primary machines are the inclined plane (which includes the screw and the wedge), the lever, and the wheel (which includes the pulley and the wheel and axle).
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machine
