What is Mechanical Advantage?

The amount by which the machine can amplify the output force in comparison to the force applied to it relates to the definition of the mechanical advantage efficiency of a machine in amplifying force. MA is one such measure that defines the comparison between the output and input forces. Mechanical advantage plays a vital role in the analysis of the performance of several machines and simple tools, including levers, pulleys, and gears.

Formula

The formula of mechanical advantage is given as:

Where,

• MA is the mechanical advantage,

• FB= force of the object and

• FA= effort to overcome the force of the object.

Solved Example 

Example 1: Determine the mechanical advantage if it takes 400 N of force to lift the load that weighs about 900 N .

Solution:

FA  = 400 N

FB  = 900 N

The formula for mechanical advantage is   

MA  = FB / FA 

MA   = 900 / 400

MA  = 2.25