Question

Which of these simple machines will require the least effort to lift a load? Explain yours answer.

1. A machine with a greater load distance
2. A machine with a smaller effort distance
3. A machine with a greater effort distance
4. A machine with an effort and load distance ​

Answer 1

3. A machine with a greater effort distance

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the formula for calculating mechanical advantage (MA) in simple machines, which is given by MA = Load distance / Effort distance, a larger effort distance would result in a larger mechanical advantage. This means that with a larger effort distance, a given amount of effort would be able to overcome a larger load.

3. A machine with a longer effort distance: This would presumably need less work since the effort is delivered over a longer distance, resulting in a bigger mechanical advantage and requiring less effort to move the load.