A worker applies a force of 500.0 N to a pulley for a distance of 1.5 m to move a crate that weighs 1000.0 N a distance of 0.5 m. What is the ideal mechanical advantage of this pulley?

To determine the ideal mechanical advantage (IMA) of the pulley, one must understand the concept of mechanical advantage in relation to the inputs and outputs of the system. The IMA can be calculated using the formula:

[

IMA = \frac{\text{Distance the effort moves}}{\text{Distance the load moves}}

]

In this scenario, the distance the worker applies the force (the effort) is 1.5 meters, while the distance the crate moves (the load) is 0.5 meters. Plugging these values into the formula gives:

[

IMA = \frac{1.5 , \text{m}}{0.5 , \text{m}} = 3

]

Therefore, the ideal mechanical advantage of the pulley is 3. This means that for every 3 units of distance the worker pulls the rope, the load (crate) is lifted by 1 unit of distance. The IMA indicates how much the machine multiplies the effort force, providing insight into the efficiency and capability of the mechanical system, in this case, the pulley.

This analysis shows that the calculations correctly reflect the manipulation of forces and distances involved in using pulleys, reinforcing the understanding of mechanical