by 
The Curious Bag
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A wheel and axle is a basic, simple machine. Commonly seen today in automobiles, this simple machine offers a significant number of other uses, such as operating as the main mechanism in windmills, waterwheels and other equipment.
Parts
A wheel and axle consists of a central shaft or lever that is connected to a central point, or a fulcrum. The axles, or small wheel, is connected to the fulcrum and it turns as the shaft turns.
Wheels
A wheel is attached to an axle. As the level turns, which in turn moves the axle, the axle then moves the outside wheel.
Torque
A wheel and axle increases torque, or the power directed into turning the shaft. This makes it useful for multiplying force to get a bigger resulting power.
Examples
Many modern pieces of equipment use the setup of a wheel and axle. Automobiles, gears, bicycles and Ferris wheels, among others.
Two-Way Machines
A shaft can be turned in order to move a wheel using a wheel and axle. However, the axle can also be turned in order to spin the shaft, which is often done for raising a chain, or some other implement, attached to the shaft.
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