Question

A fire tongs has its arms 20 cm long. It is used to lift a coal of weight 1.5 kgf by applying an effort at a distance of 15 cm from the fulcrum. Find : (i) the mechanical advantage of the fire tongs , and (ii) the effort needed.

Answer 1

Effort arm = 15 cm

Load arm =20 cm

(i) Mechanical advantage

(ii)

Effort = $\frac{Load}{MA}=\frac{1.5}{0.75}=2kgf$