Chapter 9, Problem 48A

What is the theoretical mechanical advantage for each of the three lever systems shown?

To determine

Theoretical mechanical advantage for each of the three lever systems.

Answer to Problem 48A

The theoretical mechanical advantage for each of the three lever systems 1, 2 and 0.5.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The three lever systems are shown below.

Formula Used:

Mechanical Advantage = Effort arm / Load arm

Calculation:

Consider the length of benchas $L\text{cm}$ .

For the first lever system, both load and the effort applied is at $L/2cm$ from the fulcrum on the right and left side respectively.

Thus,

MA = Effort arm / Load arm

  $MA=\frac{L/2}{L/2}=1$

Similarly, for the second lever system, Load is at $L/2cm$ on the right side, and Effort applied is at $Lcm$ on the right side from the fulcrum respectively.

Thus,

MA = Effort arm / Load arm

  $MA=\frac{L}{L/2}=2$

For the third lever system, Load is at $Lcm$ on the right side, and Effort applied is at $L/2cm$ on the right side from the fulcrum respectively.

Thus,

MA = Effort arm / Load arm

  $MA=\frac{L/2}{L}=0.5$

Conclusion:

Hence, the theoretical mechanical advantage for the three lever systems is $1,2,0.5$ .