Mechanical advantage is something that tells us how much a machine helps with the task. In other words its the amount by which a machine can multiply input force to give us the output force.
The mechanical advantage (MA) can be calculated using the following formula:
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Mechanical Advantage can be calculated by dividing your output force by your input force. i will show you a few examples so you could understand better:
We have a balanced teeter-totter with one cat at each end. Lets say each cat weights 200N. That means the each cat applies a force of 200N on the teeter-totter. The teeter-totter is balanced, meaning that the input and the output forces are exactly the same. Now lets take our formula and substitute the numbers.
Because the two forces were in Newtons, the units got canceled out. 200/200 gives you one. This means that the mechanical advantage of this lever is equal to 1.
Also if you're trying to find one of the forces for MA you simply reverse the formula.
But what if you don't have the forces but only have the distance, or you want to calculate MA without the force of friction? Then click here to learn about Ideal Mechanical Advantage!!!
What is mechanical advantage?
Mechanical advantage is something that tells us how much a machine helps with the task. In other words its the amount by which a machine can multiply input force to give us the output force.
The mechanical advantage (MA) can be calculated using the following formula:
==
Mechanical Advantage can be calculated by dividing your output force by your input force. i will show you a few examples so you could understand better:
We have a balanced teeter-totter with one cat at each end. Lets say each cat weights 200N. That means the each cat applies a force of 200N on the teeter-totter. The teeter-totter is balanced, meaning that the input and the output forces are exactly the same. Now lets take our formula and substitute the numbers.
Because the two forces were in Newtons, the units got canceled out. 200/200 gives you one. This means that the mechanical advantage of this lever is equal to 1.
Also if you're trying to find one of the forces for MA you simply reverse the formula.
But what if you don't have the forces but only have the distance, or you want to calculate MA without the force of friction? Then click here to learn about Ideal Mechanical Advantage!!!