What is the function of a screw? Give any one use of screws?

The problem focuses on screws, their design, and their wide applications in daily life. To understand their function, it is important to first know what a screw is.

A screw is a type of simple machine, often categorized as an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. Its design makes it highly effective. The top part is the head, where force is applied, and it is shaped to provide grip for tools like a screwdriver or wrench. Below the head, the cylindrical body extends into a pointed tip called the shank, which helps the screw penetrate materials. The spiral ridges running along the cylinder are called threads, which are essentially the inclined planes that give the screw its mechanical advantage.

Function of a Screw

The main function of a screw is to convert rotational motion into linear motion. When turned with a screwdriver or wrench, the torque generated allows the screw to slide linearly into a surface. This motion enables screws to:

• Hold objects together by fastening materials such as wood or metal.
• Act as force multipliers, applying greater force with less effort.

When a screw is rotated, it drills into the surface, and the head presses down to secure the object in place. This makes screws essential fasteners in furniture, machines, and countless tools.

Applications of Screws

1. Fastening – Used in furniture, machines, and construction because of their strong hold.
2. Lifting Loads – The principle of the screw is applied in devices like jacks, where rotational motion helps lift heavy objects such as cars.
3. Ease of Use – Unlike nails, screws require less effort to insert due to their threads, and they can also be dismantled and reused.
4. Efficiency – Screws deliver a higher output force compared to the input force applied, making them highly efficient tools.

Advantages

• Provide strong grip and fastening.
• Easy to remove and reusable.
• Require less effort compared to nails.
• High mechanical efficiency due to force multiplication.