What type of simple machine is a screw classified as?

Prepare for the ASTB Mechanical Comprehension Exam. Focus on understanding technical skills with targeted questions, detailed explanations, and useful hints. Enhance your readiness for success!

A screw is classified as an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. This classification highlights how the screw functions: the inclined plane allows for the gradual lifting or fastening of objects, while the cylindrical shape gives the screw its characteristic spiral form. As you turn the screw, the inclined plane helps convert rotational motion into linear motion, allowing the screw to penetrate or hold materials effectively.

This unique design of a screw combines the principles of an inclined plane with the physical properties of a cylinder, making it a versatile and efficient simple machine widely used in various applications for securing or lifting objects.

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