Tasha uses a mallet and wedge to help her split wood. The picture shows the mallet and wedge. Tasha uses the wedge because it is simple machine that provides a mechanical advantage. Mechanical advantage is calculated using the formula Mechanical Advantage= output force/ input force. 8cm and 16cm.
What is the mechanical advantage of the wedge?
A)0.5
B)2.0
C)4.5
D)8.0
B) 2.0
To calculate the mechanical advantage of the wedge, you need to know the output force and input force. In this case, the output force is the force required to split the wood using the wedge (let's say 16 N) and the input force is the force Tasha applies on the mallet (let's say 8 N).
So, input force = 8 N
Output force = 16 N
Now, using the formula:
Mechanical Advantage = Output force / Input force
Mechanical Advantage = 16 N / 8 N
Mechanical Advantage = 2.0
Therefore, the mechanical advantage of the wedge in splitting wood with the mallet is 2.0.