mechanical advantage

Definition

The ratio of the output force produced by a machine (especially a simple machine) to the applied input force.

Example Sentences

• "[…]and it will always be found, that the mechanical advantage of the wedge may be ascertained by comparing its perpendicular elevation with its base."
• "In the case of a lever with a mechanical advantage of 10 the effort has to move ten times as far as the load. This is the price which must always be paid for a mechanical advantage. Any machine which is designed to have a high mechanical advantage must also have a high velocity ratio. In fact, 'what is gained in force is lost in speed'."
• "Mechanical advantage is a ratio of like quantities and therefore has no units."