What does a wheel and axle consist of?

A wheel and axle consists of two disks or cylinders of different radii that are connected and rotate together around a common axis. This simple machine is designed to convert rotational motion and can be used to amplify force or speed, depending on the configuration of the radii. The larger disk is typically the wheel, while the smaller disk is the axle. When force is applied to the wheel, it turns the axle, demonstrating a mechanical advantage.

This design allows for efficient movement and is utilized in numerous everyday applications, such as doorknobs, steering wheels, and various types of vehicles. The different radii create a ratio that helps in reducing the effort needed to move or lift an object, making the wheel and axle an essential concept in physics and engineering.