wedge
Knives and axes are wedges. This topic is part of Simple Machines within Science & Nature. This page currently draws on 12 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.
wedge trivia questions
A wedge is used mainly to split, cut, or what?
Answer: Separate materials
Bonus fact: Knives and axes are wedges.
A wedge can be thought of as two what placed back to back?
Answer: Inclined planes
Bonus fact: Its sloped sides redirect force outward.
Why does a longer, thinner wedge usually require less input force?
Answer: It has greater mechanical advantage
Bonus fact: A gradual slope spreads work over more distance.
What type of joint is commonly used in quality wooden drawer construction because interlocking wedge-shaped pins resist pulling apart?
Answer: Dovetail joint
Bonus fact: Dovetail joints are prized for strength and have long been used in drawers.
What wedge-shaped stone at the top center of a traditional arch is called?
Answer: Keystone
Bonus fact: The keystone locks the arch's wedge-shaped stones into place.
What is the wedge-shaped central stone at the crown of a masonry arch called?
Answer: Keystone
Bonus fact: The keystone locks the arch stones into compression.
What writing system was commonly pressed into clay tablets with a stylus?
Answer: Cuneiform
Bonus fact: Cuneiform signs were wedge-shaped impressions.
What writing system did the Sumerians develop?
Answer: Cuneiform
Bonus fact: Cuneiform used wedge-shaped marks on clay.
Cuneiform writing was impressed into what material?
Answer: Clay tablets
Bonus fact: A reed stylus created wedge-shaped marks.
The word cuneiform refers to the writing's what shape?
Answer: Wedge-shaped marks
Bonus fact: Latin cuneus means wedge.
How many classical simple machines are commonly taught?
Answer: Six
Bonus fact: They are lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw.
What name is given to the earliest form of cuneiform writing?
Answer: Proto-cuneiform
Bonus fact: Proto-cuneiform pictograms gradually developed into impressed wedge-shaped cuneiform signs.