Strictly speaking, a wheel on its own is not very useful, but a wheel on an axle is the basis of a huge number of machines. A wheel can be used to magnify a force. A steering wheel, for example, has a force applied to the outer edge, which moves a much longer distance than the centre (axle). The axle moves a much shorter distance and therefore exerts a greater force. When a force is applied to the axle, a wheel can be used to magnify distance, which is what happens in wheeled vehicles. A force applied to the axle moves a much greater distance at the outer edge of the wheels. Finally, a wheel can be used to change the direction of a force. Wheels convert the circular motion of the axle into the forward motion of the vehicle.
This simple machine involves two circular objects — a larger disc and a smaller cylinder, both joined at the centre. The larger disc is called the wheel, and the smaller cylindrical object or rod is referred to as the axle. Sometimes, there may be two wheels attached to both ends of the axle. A wheel alone or an axle alone is not a simple machine. They need to be joined to be called a simple machine.
If you look closely at how a wheel and axle works, you will notice that it is a kind of class one lever. Here, an action on the axle (turning the axle) will cause an output at the other end (wheel turns too). The fulcrum is where the axle meets the wheel. The Wheel and axle work in two basic ways.
Force applied to wheel:
Let us take a screwdriver for instance. If you apply a force to the wheel (the handle), the wheel spins and multiplies the effort to make the output force of the axle (shaft) greater.
A simple door knob is another great example of the wheel and axle. The locking mechanism of the door knob is inside of the door and can only be controlled by the knob. Since it will be difficult turning the axle to open the door, we can turn the wheel instead and that does that job for us.
Force applied to axle:
Now let us also consider a windmill. If you apply a force to the axle, it will multiply the force to the wheel (blades) and result in a greater distance covered. It is because the wheel is larger than the axle and covers more area. A ceiling fan works in a similar way. As the axle turns, it powers the larger wheel (fan blades) to cause the desired output.
The Wheel and axle are perfect for turning turbines and fans; they are also used in automobiles. For example, when you turn the steering wheel of a car, your effort is multiplied by the axle and results in more turns of the car wheels.
Picture Credit : Google