Efficiency of a lifting machine — definitions and equivalent forms The efficiency of a lifting machine is defined as which of the following?
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AOutput to input
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BWork done by the machine to the work done on the machine
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CMechanical advantage to velocity ratio
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DAll of the above
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EVelocity ratio to mechanical advantage
Answer
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Machine efficiency quantifies how effectively a device converts input work into useful output. Recognizing equivalent definitions helps connect kinematic and force-based viewpoints (velocity ratio vs. mechanical advantage).
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Efficiency η is a dimensionless ratio lying between 0 and 1 for real machines.
- Mechanical Advantage (M.A.) = Load / Effort.
- Velocity Ratio (V.R.) = distance moved by effort / distance moved by load.
Concept / Approach:By definition, η = output / input = useful work out / work in. Using M.A. and V.R., it can be shown that η = M.A. / V.R. because Work = Force * Distance, so (Load * load distance) / (Effort * effort distance) = (Load/Effort) / (effort distance/load distance) = M.A. / V.R.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Start with η = Work_out / Work_in.Work_out = Load * load distance; Work_in = Effort * effort distance.η = (Load * load distance) / (Effort * effort distance).Rewrite in terms of M.A. and V.R.: η = (Load/Effort) / (effort distance/load distance) = M.A. / V.R.Verification / Alternative check:For an ideal machine (η = 1), M.A. = V.R. — a standard consistency check used in exam problems.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Options A, B, and C are all correct forms of the same concept; therefore, the combined choice “All of the above” is correct.
- “Velocity ratio to mechanical advantage” inverts the correct relation and would give values greater than 1 for ideal machines, which is not the standard convention.
Common Pitfalls:Confusing efficiency with M.A. itself; overlooking distances when comparing forces; forgetting that η cannot exceed 1 for real machines.
Final Answer:All of the above