Which term describes a machine that multiplies the amount of force you use?

• A. Mechanical advantage
• B. Recoil
• C. Friction
• D. Pressure

Answer: (A)

Mechanical advantage describes a machine that multiplies the force you apply. It’s the ratio of the output force to the input force, meaning you can lift a heavier load with less effort. For example, a lever or a pulley system lets you push down with a smaller force but still move a larger load, trading some distance you must move for more force you exert. Remember, the machine doesn’t create energy; it transfers it, so input work equals output work (ignoring losses). The other terms describe different ideas: recoil is backward motion from a reaction, friction is resistance between surfaces, and pressure is force per unit area.