What is the mechanical advantage of a simple wheel and axle consisting of a wheel diameter of 2 m and an axle diameter of 8 cm?

To find the mechanical advantage (MA) of a simple wheel and axle, the formula used is the ratio of the radius of the wheel to the radius of the axle.

In this case, the diameter of the wheel is 2 m, which corresponds to a radius of 1 m (since the radius is half of the diameter) and the diameter of the axle is 8 cm, which is equal to 0.08 m, giving it a radius of 0.04 m.

Now, applying the formula for mechanical advantage:

MA = (Radius of the Wheel) / (Radius of the Axle)

MA = 1 m / 0.04 m = 25

This means the mechanical advantage of the system is 25, which indicates that using this wheel and axle system allows a user to effectively multiply the input force applied to the axle 25 times through the wheel.

Understanding mechanical advantage is crucial because it helps in evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of different mechanical systems in performing work.