Mechanical advantage is resistance force divided by effort force:

MA = \( \frac{F_r}{F_e} \) = \( \frac{400 lbs.}{50 lbs.} \) = 8

Newton's Second Law of Motion states that "The acceleration of an object as produced by a net force is directly proportional to the magnitude of the net force, in the same direction as the net force, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object." This Law describes the linear relationship between mass and acceleration when it comes to force and leads to the formula F = ma or force equals mass multiplied by rate of acceleration.

To balance this lever the torques at the green box and the blue arrow 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_b, our missing value, and plugging in our variables yields:

R_b = \( \frac{R_ad_a}{d_b} \) = \( \frac{75 lbs. \times 4 ft.}{5 ft.} \) = \( \frac{300 ft⋅lb}{5 ft.} \) = 60 lbs.

An inclined plane is a simple machine that reduces the force needed to raise an object to a certain height. Work equals force x distance and, by increasing the distance that the object travels, an inclined plane reduces the force necessary to raise it to a particular height. In this case, the mechanical advantage is to make the task easier. An example of an inclined plane is a ramp.

For any given surface, the coefficient of static friction is higher than the coefficient of kinetic friction. More force is required to initally get an object moving than is required to keep it moving. Additionally, static friction only arises in response to an attempt to move an object (overcome the normal force between it and the surface).