Infer why the output force exerted by a rake must be less than the input force?

To infer why the output force exerted by a rake must be less than the input force, we can look at the principle of mechanical advantage.

When you use a tool like a rake, you apply an input force to the handle of the rake in order to move the ground or spread leaves. This input force is typically larger than the output force exerted by the rake, which is the force applied to the ground or leaves.

The reason for this is that rakes, like many other tools, are designed with a mechanical advantage. Mechanical advantage is a measure of the amplification of force achieved by using a tool or machine. In the case of a rake, the design of the rake's tines or teeth plays a role in the mechanical advantage.

By having longer tines with a certain angle and curvature, a rake is able to gather a larger area of leaves or move a larger amount of soil with a smaller input force. This is because the longer tines increase the leverage and allow the input force to be distributed over a larger area, reducing the force required to move the material.

So, the output force exerted by a rake must be less than the input force because the rake's design aims to achieve a mechanical advantage, allowing you to accomplish the task of raking more efficiently with less physical effort.