To balance this lever the torques on each side of the fulcrum must be equal. Torque is weight x distance from the fulcrum so the equation for equilibrium is:

R_ad_a = R_bd_b

Solving for R_a, our missing value, and plugging in our variables yields:

R_a = \( \frac{R_bd_b}{d_a} \) = \( \frac{50 lbs. \times 5 ft.}{6 ft.} \) = \( \frac{250 ft⋅lb}{6 ft.} \) = 41.67 lbs.

Connected gears of different numbers of teeth are used together to change the rotational speed and torque of the input force. If the smaller gear drives the larger gear, the speed of rotation will be reduced and the torque will increase. If the larger gear drives the smaller gear, the speed of rotation will increase and the torque will be reduced.

Kinetic energy is the energy of movement and is a function of the mass of an object and its speed: \(KE = {1 \over 2}mv^2\) where m is mass in kilograms, v is speed in meters per second, and KE is in joules. The most impactful quantity to kinetic energy is velocity as an increase in mass increases KE linearly while an increase in speed increases KE exponentially.

This problem describes an inclined plane and, for an inclined plane, 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 16 ft. = 390 lbs. x 4 ft.
F_e = \( \frac{1560 ft⋅lb}{16 ft.} \) = 97.5 lbs.

The six types of simple machines are the lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw.