How Do You Calculate Mechanical Advantage in a Nail Puller?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mechanical advantage of a nail puller, specifically focusing on the distances from the pivot and the forces involved. Participants are examining the relationship between input and output forces as well as the lever arm lengths.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to apply the mechanical advantage equation but express confusion regarding the relationships between the forces and distances involved. Questions about the geometry of the nail puller and the role of torque are raised, along with requests for clarification on variable definitions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the relevant equations and how to properly relate the given values to the variables in the equations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the structure of the mechanical advantage equation, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can provide or the methods they can use. There is an emphasis on understanding the relationships between the components of the problem rather than simply solving it.

Armando Valle
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What is the mechanical advantage of a nail puller where you exert a force 45 cm from the pivot and the nail is 1.8 cm on the other side? What minimum force must you exert to apply a force of 1250 N to the nail?

Homework Equations


2. Homework Equations
MA= FO/FI * LI/LO

The Attempt at a Solution


Ive tried to make the problem but i don't understand it, can someone help me? thanks!
 
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Armando Valle said:
What is the mechanical advantage of a nail puller where you exert a force 45 cm from the pivot and the nail is 1.8 cm on the other side? What minimum force must you exert to apply a force of 1250 N to the nail?

Homework Equations


2. Homework Equations
MA= FO/FI * LI/LO

The Attempt at a Solution


Ive tried to make the problem but i don't understand it, can someone help me? thanks!
What have you tried? What's the geometry of a nail puller? Have you drawn a diagram and labelled the forces? A "pivot" implies that torques may be involved. What have you done to investigate this?
 
Ive tried to use the MA equation but i don´t find a relationship with the forces included on the problem. this are the images of the problems, thanks!
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2016-09-16 at 6.36.46 PM.png
    Screen Shot 2016-09-16 at 6.36.46 PM.png
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I don't understand your relevant equation ("MA equation") as presented. Can you define the variables?
 
this are the equations
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2016-09-16 at 6.57.44 PM.png
    Screen Shot 2016-09-16 at 6.57.44 PM.png
    32.9 KB · Views: 1,159
Your Relevant equation:
Armando Valle said:
2. Homework Equations
MA= FO/FI * LI/LO
does not reflect what is in your latest image. It should be:

MA= FO/FI = LI/LO

Note the "=" between the terms. So you're dealing with ratios.

Can you pair up the given values in your problem with the variables in your equation?
 
Armando Valle said:
this are the equations

The figure for OP's problem together with said equations.

screen-shot-2016-09-16-at-6-57-44-pm-png.106095.png
 

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