Question

Why is the handle of an ordinary water handpump made longer?

• A. The mechanical advantage increases with the increase in effort arm.
• B. The mechanical advantage decreases with the increase in effort arm.
• C. The mechanical advantage increases with the increase in load arm.
• D. It will decrease the efficiency.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

The mechanical advantage increases with the increase in effort arm.

$Mechanicaladvantage=\frac{Load}{Effort}$ = $\frac{Effortarm}{Loadarm}$.

Mechanical advantage is directly proportional to the length of the effort arm. As the mechanical advantage increases with the increase in effort arm, a lesser effort is required to operate a handpump with a long handle. That is why the handle of an ordinary handpump is made longer.