Which simple machine can be considered as a modification of the lever?

The correct answer is a wedge because it can be seen as a modification of a lever in terms of its function and mechanics. A wedge essentially converts a force applied to its longer side into a splitting force at its shorter end, similar to how a lever works by balancing forces around a fulcrum. Both mechanisms transform the application of force into a more effective output.

The function of the wedge involves pushing into materials to separate them, which is akin to applying a force on one end of a lever to lift or move an object on the other end. This shared principle of moving an object using a force applied in a different direction characterizes the connection between wedges and levers.

While the other options involve different principles of mechanics, they do not serve as direct modifications of the lever. The wheel and axle works by reducing friction to move loads more easily, the inclined plane allows for raising objects by extending distance, and the pulley changes the direction of force but does not reconfigure the force application in the same way as a lever. Thus, the wedge stands out for its direct relationship to the mechanical function of levers.