A.
Turn Motion into Rotation
A crank can change a back-and-forth movement into continuous rotation.
SIMPLE MACHINES
CRANKS
A crank is a simple machine that turns back-and-forth motion into circular motion, or circular motion into back-and-forth motion. A crank usually has a handle or arm attached to a rotating shaft.
HOW CRANKS WORK
When you push or pull a crank, it makes a shaft turn. As the shaft turns, the crank moves in a circle. A crank can also work in the opposite way. When a rotating shaft turns the crank, the crank can make another part move back and forth.
WHAT CAN CRANKS DO
Three practical ways this concept changes movement, force or direction.
B.
Turn Rotation into Motion
A rotating crank can make another part move back and forth.
C.
Keep Things Moving
Cranks can create continuous movement in wheels, pumps, and other machines.
EXPLORE
CRANKS
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