So I find myself contemplating the list of simple machines, just like I've done on and off for years:
Lever
Wheel/Axle
Pulley
Inclined Plane
Wedge
Screw
PNQ1: Aren't these six machines really only two?
This link may explain:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Are_there_...imple_machines
Lever Family: Lever, Wheel/Axle, Pulley
Inclined Plane Family: Inclined Plane, Wedge, Screw
The Lever Family redirects forces around a pivot (rotation), and the Inclined Plane Family redirects forces against an angle (reflection).
PNQ2: So why do people still insist that there are six simple machines?
__________________
mudshark: Nate's just being...Nate.
Zeke: It comes
nateurally to him.
mudshark: I don't expect Nate to make sense, really -- it's just a bad idea.
Sa'ar Chasm on the 5M.net forum: Sit back, relax, and revel in the insanity.
Adam Savage: I reject your reality and substitute my own!
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Crow T. Robot: Oh, stop pretending there's a plot. Don't cheapen yourself further.