To calculate the potential mechanical advantage of a lever, what distances must be measured?

To determine the potential mechanical advantage of a lever, it is essential to measure both the distance from the fulcrum to the point where the force is applied and the distance from the fulcrum to the load. The mechanical advantage is calculated as the ratio of these two distances, which represents how much the lever amplifies the applied force.

By analyzing both distances, you can understand how effective the lever is in transforming the input force into a greater output force. If the distance from the fulcrum to where the force is applied is greater than the distance from the fulcrum to the load, the lever system requires less effort to lift the load, demonstrating mechanical advantage. This calculation helps in evaluating how to use the lever efficiently in various situations, particularly in rescue scenarios where lifting or moving heavy objects is required.