Question

The handle of a water pump is 90 cm long from its piston rod. If the pivot handle is at a distance of 15 cm from the piston rod, calculate (a) least effort required at its other end to overcome a resistance of 60 kgf and (b) the mechanical advantage of the handle.

A) (a) 12 kgf, (b) 5
B) (a) 10 kgf, (b) 4
C) (a) 15 kgf, (b) 6
D) (a) 20 kgf, (b) 7

Answer 1

The mechanical advantage of the handle is 5 and the least effort required to overcome the resistance is 12 kgf.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the question, the handle of the water pump is 90 cm long from its piston rod, with the pivot handle at a distance of 15 cm from the piston rod. To calculate the least effort required, we can use the formula:

Mechanical Advantage = Length of Effort Arm / Length of Resistance Arm

Using the given values, the mechanical advantage is:

Mechanical Advantage = (90 cm - 15 cm) / 15 cm = 5

Therefore, the mechanical advantage is 5. To calculate the least effort required, we can use the formula:

Least Effort = Resistance / Mechanical Advantage

Using the given values, the least effort required is:

Least Effort = 60 kgf / 5 = 12 kgf

Therefore, the least effort required is 12 kgf.