[Very Easy] Factors, Divisors and Mechanical Advantage

[Wolfowitz]

Homework Statement

The mechanical advantage of a lever is 0.08; force is not amplified, it is simply diminished; distance, however, is increased:

Work input = Work output
F x d = F x d
F x d = 0.8F x ?(d)

This must be a really basic question, but I'm compelled to ask as I'm somewhat innumerate - what's 'd' multiplied or divided by for the equation to be true?

 

[NascentOxygen]

d is multiplied by 1/0.8
so that it cancels the 0.8 alongside the F
to leave you with F x d as before

which is the same as saying d is divided by 0.8, though, to me, not as clear.

 

[Wolfowitz]

Really? Presume f = 2, d = 4:

F x D = F x D
2 x 4 = 0.8(2) + 1.25(4)
8 = 1.6 + 5
8 = 6.6

?

 

[NascentOxygen]

Where did that addition operation spring from?

 

[rwisz]

I would like to clarify that the equation provided is not entirely correct. The mechanical advantage of a lever is actually the ratio of the output force to the input force, not the ratio of work input to work output. The correct equation would be:

Mechanical Advantage = Output force / Input force

In this case, the mechanical advantage is 0.08, which means that for every 1 unit of input force, the lever produces 0.08 units of output force. This does not mean that the force is diminished, but rather that the output force is smaller than the input force.

As for the role of distance in this equation, it is not directly involved. The distance is only relevant in determining the work input and output, but it does not affect the mechanical advantage.

In summary, the equation provided is not entirely accurate and it is important to understand the correct definition of mechanical advantage. I would suggest seeking further clarification or consulting with a math or physics expert for a better understanding.