What is the formula for mechanical advantage (MA)?

Mechanical advantage (MA) is a measure of the efficiency of a machine in terms of the ratio of the force produced by the machine (output force or load) to the force applied to the machine (input force or effort). The correct formula for mechanical advantage is best represented by the ratio of load to effort.

This is mathematically expressed as MA = Load / Effort. The significance of this formula lies in its ability to demonstrate how much a machine amplifies an input force in order to lift a load. A higher mechanical advantage indicates that a smaller effort can lift a larger load, which is a fundamental principle in mechanical systems.

In this context, the other options do not appropriately describe the mechanics of mechanical advantage. For instance, the option related to effort on load would imply a reciprocal relationship, which can mislead the understanding of how input and output forces interrelate. Similarly, mentioning the distances moved does not define mechanical advantage in the way the load-to-effort ratio does, although distance can play a role in understanding efficiency and work done.