Question

When does a machine act as (a) a force multiplier, (b) a speed multiplier? Can a machine act as a force multiplier and a speed multiplier simultaneously?

Answer 1

(a) A machine acts as a force multiplier when the effort arm is longer than the load arm. The mechanical advantage of such machines is greater than 1.
(b) A machine acts a speed multiplier when the effort arm is shorter than the load arm. The mechanical advantage of such machines is less than 1.

It is not possible for a machine to act as a force multiplier and speed multiplier simultaneously. This is because machines which are force multipliers cannot gain in speed and vice-versa.