According to Boyle's Law, pressure and volume are inversely proportional:

\( \frac{P_1}{P_2} \) = \( \frac{V_2}{V_1} \)

In this problem, V₂ = 20 ft.³, V₁ = 45 ft.³ and P₁ = 9.0 psi. Solving for P₂:

P₂ = \( \frac{P_1}{\frac{V_2}{V_1}} \) = \( \frac{9.0 psi}{\frac{20 ft.^3}{45 ft.^3}} \) = 20.3 psi

This problem describes a second-class lever and, for a second class lever, the effort force multiplied by the effort distance equals the resistance force multipied by the resistance distance: F_ed_e = F_rd_r. Plugging in the variables from this problem yields:

F_e x 3 ft. = 270 lbs x 0.5 ft
F_e = 135 ft-lb. / 3 ft 
F_e = 45 lbs

A wheel and axle uses two different diameter wheels mounted to a connecting axle. Force is applied to the larger wheel and large movements of this wheel result in small movements in the smaller wheel. Because a larger movement distance is being translated to a smaller distance, force is increased with a mechanical advantage equal to the ratio of the diameters of the wheels. An example of a wheel and axle is the steering wheel of a car.

Work is accomplished when force is applied to an object: W = Fd where F is force in newtons (N) and d is distance in meters (m). Thus, the more force that must be applied to move an object, the more work is done and the farther an object is moved by exerting force, the more work is done.

A fixed pulley is used to change the direction of a force and does not multiply the force applied. As such, it has a mechanical advantage of one. The benefit of a fixed pulley is that it can allow the force to be applied at a more convenient angle, for example, pulling downward or horizontally to lift an object instead of upward.