Question

Using a simple machine, a student is able to lift a 500N weight by applying only 100N.

What is the mechanical advantage of the simple machine?

A) 0.2

B) 1

C) 5

D) 50000

Answer 1

The mechanical advantage of a machine is the ratio between the output force and the input force:

`MA= (F_O)/(F_I)`
In our problem, the input force is 100 N, while the output force is the weight of the object the student lifts, 500 N. So, the mechanical advantage is

`MA= (500 N)/(100 N)=5`