Mechanical advantage (MA) is determined by which formula?

Mechanical advantage (MA) is a crucial concept often associated with simple machines and systems. It provides insight into the effectiveness of a machine in amplifying the input force applied to it. The formula for mechanical advantage is defined as the ratio of the resistance force (the load being moved) to the effort force (the input force applied).

In the context of this question, the correct answer involves dividing the resistance by the effort. This means that if you know the amount of force you are exerting to lift a weight (the effort) and you know how heavy that weight is (the resistance), you can calculate the mechanical advantage of the system by taking the resistance force and dividing it by the effort force.

A higher mechanical advantage indicates that a smaller effort is needed to lift a larger load, which highlights the mechanical benefit gained through the use of the system. This principle is fundamental in understanding how levers, pulleys, and other machines allow us to perform work more efficiently by reducing the amount of effort required to overcome resistance.