What is a wedge?

What is a wedge?

• A. A curved blade used for cutting
• B. A wheel like disk with a groove
• C. A simple lever used to lift
• D. Object with an inclined plane ending in a sharp edge, used for pushing objects apart

Answer: (D)

A wedge is an inclined plane that ends in a sharp edge. Driving a wedge between two objects converts your push into forces that push the objects apart along the wedge’s faces, making separation easier. The sharp edge concentrates the applied force so a relatively small input can split or pry materials. A wedge is basically two inclined planes back-to-back, which is why it can both cut and pry. This distinguishes it from curved blades, wheels with grooves (pulleys), or levers, which are different kinds of tools and do not describe a wedge.

A wedge is an inclined plane that ends in a sharp edge. Driving a wedge between two objects converts your push into forces that push the objects apart along the wedge’s faces, making separation easier. The sharp edge concentrates the applied force so a relatively small input can split or pry materials. A wedge is basically two inclined planes back-to-back, which is why it can both cut and pry. This distinguishes it from curved blades, wheels with grooves (pulleys), or levers, which are different kinds of tools and do not describe a wedge.