Mechanical Advantage

The concepts of Simple Machines can be explained physically using models of Simple Machines and recording the forces and distances of the Effort and the Load.

Simple Machines can also be modeled using mathematics. It involves patterns or ratios of the movements and forces between the Effort and the Load called the Mechanical Advantage. Students spend a lot of time learning mathematics, this unit allows for students to see a practical use of mathematics. These Mechanical Advantages (patterns or ratios) apply to all Simple Machines with levers used as an example below.