The wheel and Axel
By Chris Boyd
What is a wheel and axel?
A wheel and axel is A simple machine consisting of an axle to which a wheel is connected to so that there is torque applied to a rope or chain onto the axle, then in return making the wheel turn, which yields a mechanical advantage equal to the ratio of the diameter of the wheel to that of the axle.
The mechanical advantage
The mechanical advantage is the relationship between the force and distance inputted and outputted by the wheel and axle and is directly related to the radius of the wheel and the axle.
Some examples
Practice problem
If a wheel has a radius of 30cm and an axel has a radius of 5cm, what is the mechanical advantage?
MA=rw/ra
MA=30/5
MA=6