Question

An input force of 80 N is used to lift an object weighing 240 N with a system of pulleys. What is the mechanical advantage of the pulley system?

A) 2.5
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

Answer 1

The mechanical advantage of the pulley system is 3, as it is calculated by dividing the load force (240 N) by the input force (80 N).

Step-by-step explanation:

The mechanical advantage of a pulley system is calculated by dividing the load force (the weight of the object being lifted) by the input force (the effort force used to lift the object). In the example given, an input force of 80 N is used to lift an object weighing 240 N. To find the mechanical advantage (MA), you divide the load force (240 N) by the input force (80 N).

MA = Load Force / Input Force = 240 N / 80 N = 3

Hence, the mechanical advantage of the pulley system is 3, which corresponds to option B. This means that the pulley system makes it three times easier to lift the load compared to lifting it directly without the pulleys.