Mechanical advantage (MA): Choose the correct definition For a lifting machine, mechanical advantage is defined as which of the following ratios? Select the correct option.
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Mechanics
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
Adistance moved by effort ÷ distance moved by load
-
Bload lifted ÷ effort applied
-
Coutput ÷ input
-
Dall of the above
Answer
Correct Answer: load lifted ÷ effort applied
Explanation
Given dataWe must identify the correct definition of MA.
Concept/ApproachMechanical advantage (MA) = Load / Effort.Velocity ratio (VR) = Distance moved by effort / Distance moved by load.Efficiency = Output / Input (often MA / VR for idealized machines).
Step-by-stepOnly option (B) matches MA = Load ÷ Effort.
Common pitfallsConfusing MA with VR (option A) or efficiency (option C). Option D is therefore incorrect.
Final Answerload lifted ÷ effort applied