A screw can be described as what type of simple machine?

A screw is classified as an inclined plane, which is one of the six classical simple machines. The fundamental design of a screw involves a helical thread that wraps around a central shaft. This thread can be understood as an inclined plane that is wrapped in a spiral around the shaft.

When a screw is rotated, the inclined plane profile of the threads allows it to convert rotational motion (turning the screw) into linear motion (driving the screw into a material). This mechanism is what enables a screw to hold objects together or lift materials.

Understanding a screw this way highlights its function: it utilizes the properties of the inclined plane to gain mechanical advantage, allowing users to exert a smaller force over a longer distance to achieve a greater effect, such as fastening two pieces of wood together or securing components in machinery.