What is the mechanical advantage (M/A) if a 200 lb load can be moved using slightly more than 50 lb of force?

To determine the mechanical advantage (M/A), you can use the formula:

[ \text{Mechanical Advantage (M/A)} = \frac{\text{Load}}{\text{Effort}} ]

In this scenario, the load is 200 lbs, and the force applied (effort) is slightly more than 50 lbs. For the calculation, we can use 50 lbs for simplicity, as it illustrates the mechanical advantage concept.

Using the formula:

[ \text{M/A} = \frac{200 \text{ lbs}}{50 \text{ lbs}} = 4 ]

This means that the mechanical advantage is 4:1, indicating that the system allows you to lift a load that is four times greater than the effort you are applying.

Finding the M/A is important because it reflects how effectively a machine can amplify force. A mechanical advantage of 4:1 signifies that for every pound of force you apply, it can move 4 pounds of load. This kind of efficiency is a crucial principle in engineering and physics, showing how machines reduce the input force needed to move heavy objects.

Overall, the choice that indicates 4:1 accurately represents this relationship between load and effort.