Wedge

Real World Example

Imagine trying to split a log of wood with an axe. This task is similar to how a wedge works as a simple machine. Just as the sharp edge of the axe (the wedge) is driven into the log to separate it into pieces, the wedge’s inclined planes exert force on the material to divide it, making it easier to split. Here, the edge of the axe represents the wedge, while the force applied to the axe corresponds to how the inclined planes of the wedge help separate the wood with less effort.