If a simple wheel and axle with a radius of 60 cm and an axle radius of 12 cm allows an effort of 900 N, what load can be raised?

To determine the load that can be raised using a simple wheel and axle, it's essential to understand the mechanical advantage provided by this system. The mechanical advantage is calculated using the radii of the wheel and axle. The formula for mechanical advantage (MA) in a wheel and axle system is the ratio of the radius of the wheel to the radius of the axle.

In this case, the radius of the wheel is 60 cm, and the radius of the axle is 12 cm. Thus, the mechanical advantage can be calculated as follows:

MA = Radius of Wheel / Radius of Axle = 60 cm / 12 cm = 5.

This means that for every unit of effort applied, the system can raise a load 5 times that amount. Since the effort applied is 900 N, you can find the load by multiplying the effort by the mechanical advantage:

Load = Effort × MA = 900 N × 5 = 4500 N.

This calculation indicates that the system allows lifting a load of 4,500 N, making it the correct answer. This principle illustrates why systems like the wheel and axle are so effective in raising heavy loads with relatively little effort.