the mechanical advantage of a wheel and axle is the radius of the wheel divided by the radius of the axle…

the mechanical advantage of a wheel and axle is the radius of the wheel divided by the radius of the axle. on wheel and axle a, the wheel and axle are very close in size. on wheel and axle b, the radius of the wheel is much greater than the radius of the axle. which wheel and axle has the greater mechanical advantage?

the mechanical advantage of a wheel and axle is the radius of the wheel divided by the radius of the axle. on wheel and axle a, the wheel and axle are very close in size. on wheel and axle b, the radius of the wheel is much greater than the radius of the axle. which wheel and axle has the greater mechanical advantage?

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Recall mechanical - advantage formula

Let $r_w$ be the radius of the wheel and $r_a$ be the radius of the axle. The mechanical advantage $MA=\frac{r_w}{r_a}$.

Step2: Analyze wheel - and - axle A

For wheel and axle A, $r_w$ and $r_a$ are close in size. So, $MA_A=\frac{r_{wA}}{r_{aA}}\approx1$ (since $r_{wA}\approx r_{aA}$).

Step3: Analyze wheel - and - axle B

For wheel and axle B, $r_{wB}\gg r_{aB}$. So, $MA_B = \frac{r_{wB}}{r_{aB}}\gg1$.

Answer:

Wheel and axle B has the greater mechanical advantage.