If a wedge has an IMA of 5.0 and the load requires 400 N ideally, what effort force is needed?

To find the effort force required, you can use the relationship between the ideal mechanical advantage (IMA), the load (resistance force), and the effort (force applied). The formula connecting these variables is:

IMA = Load / Effort

In this case, the IMA is given as 5.0, and the load is 400 N. Rearranging the formula to find the effort gives:

Effort = Load / IMA

Now, substituting the known values:

Effort = 400 N / 5.0

Effort = 80 N

Thus, the effort force needed to lift a load of 400 N with an IMA of 5.0 is 80 N. This demonstrates how the mechanical advantage of a wedge allows a smaller effort to move a larger load, making it effective in various applications.