Understanding Mechanical Advantage
Mechanical advantage (MA) is the ratio of the output force (the force you lift) to the input force (the force you apply). It tells you how much easier a machine makes a task.
Calculation
* Output force (Force lifted): 48 N
* Input force (Force applied): 12 N
* Mechanical Advantage (MA) = Output force / Input force
* MA = 48 N / 12 N = 4
Conclusion
The mechanical advantage of the lever is 4. This means that the lever makes it four times easier to lift the object. You only need to apply 1/4th of the force you would need to lift the object directly.
