Question

The mechanical advantage of a wheel and axle is the radius of the wheel divided by the radius of the axle.

What is the mechanical advantage of the wheel and axle shown below?
(whats the equation to use)
radius 15 cm
length 2.5 cm

Answer 1

The mechanical advantage (MA) of a wheel and axle can be calculated using the formula:

\[
\text{Mechanical Advantage} (MA) = \frac{\text{Radius of the Wheel}}{\text{Radius of the Axle}}
\]

In your case, you have the following measurements:

- Radius of the Wheel = 15 cm
- Radius of the Axle = 2.5 cm

Now, plug these values into the formula:

\[
MA = \frac{15 \, \text{cm}}{2.5 \, \text{cm}}
\]

Calculating this gives:

\[
MA = \frac{15}{2.5} = 6
\]

Therefore, the mechanical advantage of the wheel and axle is **6**.