Understanding Mechanical Advantage

Mechanical advantage (MA) is the ratio of the output force (the force the machine exerts on the object) to the input force (the force you apply to the machine). It tells you how much the machine multiplies your effort.

Formula

MA = Output Force / Input Force

Applying the Information

* Output Force: 48 Newtons (the weight of the object being lifted)

* Input Force: 12 Newtons (the force you apply)

Calculation

MA = 48 Newtons / 12 Newtons = 4

Answer

The mechanical advantage of the simple machine is 4. This means the machine multiplies your effort by a factor of four, allowing you to lift an object four times heavier than you could with your own strength alone.