1. Mechanical Advantage

2. MA = Output Force (N) = Load Force (F1)
 Mechanical Advantage: the ability for a machine to make a task easier by reducing the amount of force required
The ratio of the amount of force produced by a machine compared to the amount of force you apply
 Input Work = the work you do on the machine
 Output Work = the work the machine does on the load
 MA = Output Force (N) = Load Force (F1)
Input Force (N) Effort Force (F2) 

3. Examples of mechanical advantage BLM 4-4

4. The Mechanical Advantage of using a lever
MA = Effort Arm Length
Load Arm Length

5. The Mechanical Advantage for a Ramp
MA = Length of Ramp
Height of Ramp
MA = 30 = 3 10
L = 30 m
H = 10 m

6. The Mechanical Advantage for a Wheel and Axle
MA = Length (or radius) of the Effort Arm
Length (or radius) of the Load Arm
MA = 1 = .17 6
Load Arm
6 cm
Wheel
Axle
Effort Arm
1 cm

7. The Mechanical Advantage for a Gear Wheel
MA = Number of driving gear teeth
Number of driven gear teeth (load)
MA = 60 = 1.5 40
Driving Gear
60 Teeth
Driven Gear
40 Teeth

8. If Mechanical Advantage = 1
the machine has not increased or decreased the amount of force applied
May have changed direction of force
Examples: no machine, a fixed pulley, parallel gears, class 1 lever (Fulcrum in the middle)

9. If Mechanical Advantage < 1
This usually involves a machine that produces a speed advantage or a distance advantage
Examples: class 1 lever (fulcrum far from load), bike, class 3 levers (golf clubs, baseball bats, hockey sticks)

10. If Mechanical Advantage > 1
Use of the machine decreases the amount of force required
A force advantage is gained at the expense of speed or distance
Examples: class 1 and 2 levers, reducing gears, a large axle turning a small wheel, an inclined plane