Which simple machine consists of a rope that fits into a groove in a wheel?

A pulley is a simple machine that consists of a rope or cable that fits into a groove on a wheel. This design allows the pulley to facilitate the lifting of heavy objects with less effort. When you pull down on one side of the rope, the wheel turns and lifts the load on the other side. Pulleys can be used in various configurations, such as single, double, or block-and-tackle systems, to change the direction of the applied force or to gain a mechanical advantage, making it easier to lift objects.

In the context of the other options, a screw is a type of inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder, a lever is a rigid bar that pivots around a fulcrum to lift or move loads, and an inclined plane is a flat surface tilted at an angle to help raise or lower objects with reduced effort. None of these options involve the specific mechanism of a rope fitting into a groove in a wheel, which is why they are not correct in this context.