Final answer:
The mechanical advantage of a machine like a wheelbarrow is calculated by dividing the effort arm's length by the resistance arm's length.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mechanical advantage (MA) of a machine is a measure of how many times the machine multiplies the input force. To calculate the mechanical advantage of a lever such as a wheelbarrow, you would use the ratio of the effort arm (where the input force is applied) to the resistance arm (where the load is applied). In the scenario provided, the mechanical advantage would be the length of the hands' lever arm divided by the length of the load's lever arm.
For example, if the center of gravity of the wheelbarrow and its load has a perpendicular lever arm of 5.50 cm, and the hands have a perpendicular lever arm of 1.02 m (which is 102 cm), the mechanical advantage would be calculated as:
MA = Effort Arm (hands) / Resistance Arm (load)
MA = 102 cm / 5.50 cm
Therefore, the mechanical advantage would be approximately 18.55. This means that the wheelbarrow allows you to lift the load with a force that is about 18.55 times less than the weight of the load.