Mechanical Advantage
Definition
Mechanical Advantage
The ratio of output force to input force in a mechanical system.
$$\text{Mechanical Advantage (MA)} = \frac{\text{Length of Effort Arm (EA)}}{\text{Length of Resistance Arm (RA)}}$$
- Mechanical Advantage (MA) represents the factor by which a lever multiplies the force applied to it
- Length of Effort Arm (EA) is the distance from the fulcrum (the pivot point) to the point where the effort force is applied
- Length of Resistance Arm (RA) is the distance from the fulcrum to the point where the resistance force (Load) is located.
Why It Matters
Mechanical advantage helps:
- Reduce the effort needed to move or lift something
- Increase output force for a given input
- Improve efficiency in tasks involving resistance or load
- Mechanical advantage does not create energy, it redistributes it.
- While force is amplified, the distance over which the force is applied is often reduced, maintaining the conservation of energy.
Key Simple Systems
Lever
Definition
Lever
A rigid bar that pivots on a fulcrum to move a load with an applied effort.
Lever system breakdown:
- Fulcrum (pivot) – The fixed point the lever rotates around.
- Effort (E) – The input force you apply to the lever.
- Load (L) – The object or resistance being moved.
