What is the formula for Actual Mechanical Advantage (AMA)?

The formula for Actual Mechanical Advantage (AMA) is determined by the ratio of the output force to the input force. This relationship provides insight into how effectively a machine converts the input effort into useful output force. A higher AMA indicates that the machine is converting more of the input force into output force, which reflects its efficiency in performing work.

In practical terms, if you apply a certain amount of force into a machine and it generates a greater amount of force at the output, the AMA calculated from the output force divided by the input force will show you how much advantage you gain from using that machine. This is critical in evaluating and comparing different machines and their efficiency in mechanical applications.

The other options relate to different aspects of mechanical advantage or efficiency. For instance, the distance-based options pertain to the concept of velocity ratio rather than actual mechanical advantage. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific utility of the formulas involved in mechanical systems.