In modern times, tons of tools have been designed and produced for easing tasks that would otherwise be difficult to complete. Generally, there are 2 types of machines; simple machines and complex machines. Complex machines comprise two or more simple machines.
If you have a can opener or plan to get one, you may wish to know about its mechanism. So, is can opener complex machine? Or is it a simple machine? Before answering this question, we should know in brief about both simple and complex machines.
Continue reading this article to learn about simple and complex machines and how a can opener functions when opening cans.
Simple Machine
By definition, simple machines are machines that have none or a few moving parts. They are used to make work easier, i.e., provide mechanical advantage to a task. The mechanism of simple machines is indeed simple; they operate by changing the direction of applied force.
It is an important concept as simple machines can drastically reduce the amount of force or work required to achieve a task. Furthermore, complex machines are a result of two or more simple machines combined.
There are six types of simple machines.
- Inclined Plane
- Lever
- Wedge
- Wheel & Axle
- Pulley
- Screw
Below, we briefly explain how each of the simple machines is useful in day to day tasks –
Inclined Plane
It consists of a sloped surface that is used for raising heavy objects. The mechanical advantage of using it is that the force required is much lower. This is because moving an object up an inclined slope requires less force than the weight being raised. In brief, the amount of work done is reduced.
Lever
A lever could be a bar or board that is placed on a supporting piece that acts as a fulcrum. The mechanical advantage of using this is that a heavy object may be lifted with extreme ease by placing the object on one end and applying force on the other end.
Wedge
The wedge is tapered on one side to a thin layer. The mechanical advantage of this is that it can be used to split wood and rock with a lower amount of work than any other tool.
Wheel & Axle
A wheel and axle consists of a wheel attached to an axle and both the parts rotate together, transferring energy from one to another. The mechanical advantage of this machine is that very heavy objects can be lifted with its help, and requires very little work to complete the task.
Pulley
A pulley is a wheel that rotates a belt along with itself. The mechanical advantage of this tool is similar to that of the wheel and axle, but the pulley excels for more heavy-duty tasks.
Screw
A screw is a cylindrical tool that can be used for tightening purposes. Even though the application of screws are vast, the most basic mechanical advantage of it is that it can fix two surfaces/objects together upon tightening a screw from one object to the other.
Complex Machine
Most of the machines that you use or see being used are complex machines. They are also referred to as compound machines. Complex machines are produced by combining two or more simple machines. They can be as tiny as a pocket watch or as huge as a crane.
Similar to simple machines, complex machines are used to make a job easier by drastically reducing the force required or work done for a task. Furthermore, combining simple machines, components can ensure additional functionality for the complex machine.
Some common examples of a complex machine include a wheelbarrow, a bulldozer, clippers, lifts, bicycles, car jacks, etc. You get the idea; almost every machine or tool around us is a complex machine.
Conclusion
Most can openers consist of a lever, wedge, screw, wheel, and axle. For more advanced models that contain the remaining components, the screw is used to tighten the can opener to the rim of the can. Finally, the wheel & axle is used to circle the opener around the circumference of the can.
Now that we know about simple and complex machines, we can finally address our question; is can opener complex machine? The answer is yes. Even though there are different types of can openers, even the most basic openers, such as a church key, contain a lever and a wedge.