Think Critically.
The mechanical advantage of a machine is less than one. Compare the distances over which the input and output forces are applied.
To think critically about the given statement, let's first understand what mechanical advantage (MA) means.
Mechanical advantage is a measure of how much a machine multiplies the input force or decreases the input effort required to achieve a certain output force. It is calculated by dividing the output force by the input force.
Now, if the mechanical advantage of a machine is less than one, it implies that the output force is smaller than the input force. In other words, the machine doesn't multiply the force applied; instead, it reduces it. This often happens in some types of machines, such as levers, where the output force is smaller than the input force.
To compare the distances over which the input and output forces are applied in such a case, we need to consider another principle called the principle of conservation of energy.
According to the principle of conservation of energy, the work done on one side of a machine is equal to the work done on the other side of the machine. In other words, the input work is equal to the output work, despite any changes in force or distance.
Therefore, if the mechanical advantage is less than one, and the output force is smaller than the input force, it means that the output distance over which the force is applied must be greater than the input distance over which the force is applied. This compensates for the reduced force, ensuring that the input and output work remain equal.
In summary, when the mechanical advantage of a machine is less than one, the output force is smaller than the input force. Consequently, the output distance over which the force is applied must be greater than the input distance to maintain the principle of conservation of energy.
When the mechanical advantage of a machine is less than one, it means that the machine is actually amplifying the distance over which the input force is applied, but at the cost of reducing the magnitude of the output force. In other words, the output force is applied over a shorter distance compared to the input force.
To better understand this concept, let's consider an example: a lever with a mechanical advantage of 0.5. This means that for every 1 unit of input force applied to the lever, there will be 0.5 units of output force generated. However, the input force will be applied over a larger distance compared to the output force.
For instance, if you push down on one end of a lever with a force of 10 Newtons, the lever would generate an output force of 5 Newtons. However, in order to achieve that output force, you may need to push the lever down twice as far compared to the distance the output force moves.
In summary, when the mechanical advantage of a machine is less than one, the distance over which the input force is applied will be greater than the distance over which the output force is applied.