AI overview
A wedge is a simple tool shaped like a triangle that is pushed between two objects to force them apart, commonly used to split wood. It matters because it's one of the most basic and useful tools humans have, requiring only a pushing force to accomplish tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Article
7 sectionsContents
- History
- Uses of a wedge
- Blades and wedges
- Examples for holding objects faster
- Mechanical advantage
- See also
- References
thumb|A wood splitting wedge
A wedge is a triangular shaped tool, a portable inclined plane, and one of the six simple machines. It can be used to separate two objects or portions of an object, lift up an object, or hold an object in place. It functions by converting a force applied to its blunt end into forces perpendicular (normal) to its inclined surfaces. The mechanical advantage of a wedge is given by the ratio of the length of its slope to its width. Although a short wedge with a wide angle may do a job faster, it requires more force than a long wedge with a narrow angle.