A metre stick is used as a lever. If the
input force is applied at 0 cm and the
output force is exerted at 100 cm, what is
the ideal mechanical advantage if the
fulcrum is at 75 cm?
The ideal mechanical advantage (IMA) of a lever is calculated by dividing the distance from the fulcrum to the input force (input distance) by the distance from the fulcrum to the output force (output distance).
In this case, the input force is applied at 0 cm and the output force is exerted at 100 cm. The fulcrum is at 75 cm.
Input distance = 75 cm - 0 cm = 75 cm
Output distance = 100 cm - 75 cm = 25 cm
IMA = Input distance / Output distance
IMA = 75 cm / 25 cm
IMA = 3
Therefore, the ideal mechanical advantage is 3 for this lever.