Question

The length of Class I lever is 5m. Calculate its mechanical advantage if the fulcrum is at a distance of 50cm from the effort poin

Answer 1

Given :

1. Class 1 lever length = 5 m

2. Load arm length = ( 5 - 0.5) m = 4.5 m

3. Effort arm length = 0.5 m

To find : Mechanical advantage of the lever

Solution :

In a Class One Lever, the Fulcrum is located between the Load and the Force. The closer the Load is to the Fulcrum, the easier it is to lift. Eg - see saw.

Mechanical advantage of the lever is inversely proportional to the length of load arm and directly proportional to the length of effort arm.

Mechanical advantage is also represented by the ratio of load to effort.

Therefore, mechanical advantage =

$\frac{effort \: arm}{load \: arm}$

=

$\frac{0.5}{4.5}$

=

$\frac{1}{9}$

= 0.11

Mechanical advantage = 0.11