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ASVAB · Simple Machines (Levers, Pulleys, Gears)

What is mechanical advantage?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

The factor by which a machine multiplies the input force

  1. A The weight of a machine
  2. B The factor by which a machine multiplies the input force
  3. C The energy a machine creates
  4. D The speed of a machine

Why this is the answer

Mechanical advantage is the factor by which a simple machine multiplies the input (effort) force. For example, a mechanical advantage of 4 means the machine outputs four times the force you put in. It is calculated as the output force divided by the input force (or, ideally, the distance the effort moves divided by the distance the load moves). Machines like levers, pulleys, ramps, and gears provide mechanical advantage by trading reduced force for increased distance — they do not create energy. A higher mechanical advantage means less force is needed, but over a greater distance. This concept ties together all the simple machines.
Source: ASVAB MC, Mechanical Advantage

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About this topic: Simple Machines (Levers, Pulleys, Gears)

Simple machines — levers, pulleys, gears, inclined planes, wheel-and-axle, screws — are the heart of Mechanical Comprehension. Each question comes down to mechanical advantage: how much the machine multiplies force, and the trade-off in distance. This is one of 23 Mechanical Comprehension questions on simple machines (levers, pulleys, gears), each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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