What is the role of the cutting edges of scissors?

The cutting edges of scissors function as a wedge. This is because they are designed to convert the force applied when the handles are squeezed into a sharp, focused force at the cutting edges, allowing for effective cutting of materials. A wedge is a type of simple machine that works by driving into a material to separate it, which is precisely what scissors do when they are closed around an object.

In the case of scissors, when you apply force to the handles, the edges come together and the angle of the blades acts as a wedge, pushing through the material being cut. This mechanism reduces the amount of force needed to cut through various types of materials, demonstrating how the principles of simple machines can be effectively utilized in everyday tools.