What is a machine that performs work with only one movement called?

A machine that performs work with only one movement is referred to as a simple machine. Simple machines are fundamental mechanisms that have a few moving parts and are designed to make work easier by allowing the user to apply force more effectively in a single direction. They typically include devices such as levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wheels and axles, screws, and wedges.

This concept is integral to understanding more complex machinery and mechanics. Simple machines can help to amplify the force applied, change the direction of a force, or redistribute force over a distance, making them foundational to various engineering and mechanical applications.

In contrast, a complex machine typically consists of multiple simple machines working together to perform a task, while a compound machine refers to a combination of two or more simple machines that work together. A mechanical device is a broader term that can include both simple and complex machines, but it does not specifically denote the characteristic of functioning through a single movement. Thus, recognizing that a simple machine operates based on one fundamental movement highlights its significance in the study of machines and mechanics.