Question

a worker uses a wedge to split a block of wood. the wedge has a length of 15 cm and a thickness of 3 cm at its widest part. the worker applies an effort force of 200 n. part b. if the wedge actually produces an output force of 800 n, determine the actual mechanical advantage (ama) and the efficiency of the wedge. show your work for full credit.

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate Actual Mechanical Advantage (AMA)

AMA is the ratio of output force to input force. Given output force $F_{out}=800\ N$ and input force $F_{in}=200\ N$.
$AMA=\frac{F_{out}}{F_{in}}=\frac{800}{200} = 4$

Step2: Calculate Ideal Mechanical Advantage (IMA)

For a wedge, $IMA=\frac{l}{t}$, where $l = 15\ cm$ is the length of the wedge and $t=3\ cm$ is the thickness at the widest part.
$IMA=\frac{15}{3}=5$

Step3: Calculate the efficiency ($\eta$)

Efficiency of a machine is given by $\eta=\frac{AMA}{IMA}\times100\%$.
$\eta=\frac{4}{5}\times 100\% = 80\%$

Answer:

AMA = 4, Efficiency = 80%