Mechanical Advantage in Simple Machines

Simple Machines and Mechanical Advantage

• Simple machines are used in everyday life to make work easier and help lift big loads and carry heavy containers.
• They are used in various applications, including building construction, machinery, toys, and furniture.

What is Mechanical Advantage?

• Mechanical advantage is the ratio of output to input force.
• It can also be described as the ratio of load to the effort applied.
• Mechanical advantage is obtained by using simple machines to raise higher loads with less effort.

Types of Simple Machines

• Inclined plane: a flat surface that helps move objects across distances (e.g., a ramp to load objects onto a truck).
• Wedge: a pointed edge that can help push things apart (e.g., an ax to cut trees).
• Lever: an arm that turns against a pivot (e.g., children playing on a see-saw).
• Wheel and axle: a round object that moves against a cylindrical object (e.g., motor vehicles and bikes).
• Screw: a thread that appears as an inclined plane, wrapped around a cylinder (e.g., a lid on a jar).
• Pulley: a wheel that can be rotated by a rope to lift objects up, down, and across (e.g., drawing water from a well).

Formula and Calculation

• Work = Force x Distance (W = F x S)
• Mechanical Advantage = Load / Effort
• When the mechanical advantage is >1, the output force is more than the input force.