Final answer:
In conclusion, statements 1) and 2) are correct; a wheel with spokes acts as a form of lever, providing a mechanical advantage, making it easier to lift water from a well. Statements 3) is incorrect as the wheel isn't a speed multiplier, and 4) is correct as the wheel is a force multiplier.
Step-by-step explanation:
A wheel can indeed be thought of as a form of lever where the spokes act as levers, and the center of the axle functions as the fulcrum. Hence, statement 1 is correct that each spoke of the wheel can be thought of as a lever. Regarding statement 2, the wheel does provide a mechanical advantage that makes lifting water from a well easier because a larger force is applied to the rope with less effort by utilizing a larger radius wheel. This mechanical advantage is calculated by dividing the radius of the wheel by the radius of the axle. However, the wheel does not act as a speed multiplier as is suggested by statement 3; rather, it affects the force and distance of the input and output. Lastly, statement 4 is correct, as the wheel does act as a force multiplier, making it easier to move or lift heavy objects with less force than would otherwise be required without the mechanical advantage provided by the wheel.