Which of the following best describes the mechanical advantage of a machine?

The mechanical advantage of a machine is fundamentally defined as the ratio that indicates how much a machine amplifies the input force. This concept is crucial in understanding how machines work to make tasks easier by allowing a smaller input force to produce a larger output force. For example, in levers, pulleys, or gears, mechanical advantage demonstrates how much a machine can multiply the force applied by the user.

By measuring this ratio, one can determine the effectiveness of a machine in terms of force application. A machine with a mechanical advantage greater than one means that it can enhance the input force, allowing the user to lift heavier objects or overcome greater resistance than they could without the machine. Thus, this ratio is an essential aspect of mechanical systems, reflecting their efficiency in transforming input effort into greater output, thereby supporting the user's work or task.