Question

What is a machine? What are some mechanical advantages to using a machine? How do you calculate mechanical advantage? Example problem: A worker applies an effort force of 20N to open a window with a resistance force of 500N. What is the crowbar’s MA?

Answer 1

*MACHINE : A m/c is a mechanism or combination of mechanism, which provide definite motion to the part and also transmits and modifies the available energy into some useful and desired work.

*MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE : It is the ratio of Resistance force (output force) to the effort force (input force).

In a simple word, mechanical advantage just defines the how small the effort force needed to lifted (lets say) the heavy load (resistance force).

*SOLUTION :

given,

FR = 500 N

FE = 20 N

MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE = 500/20 = 25

this problem tells that,

by applying only 20 N force we can lift the widow which offers 500 N resistance force,

Mechanical advantage should always be greater than 1.

Even if M.A. = 1 it is not at all helpful, that actually tells that we need lets say 500 N force to lift 500 N force.