Which formula equals the ideal mechanical advantage (MA)?

The formula that accurately reflects the ideal mechanical advantage (MA) is determined by the relationship between the distances moved by the effort and the load. Specifically, the ideal mechanical advantage is calculated as the ratio of the distance moved by the effort to the distance moved by the load. This means that if you know how far the effort travels relative to how far the load travels, you can determine how much the mechanical advantage is gained through the use of a machine or mechanical system.

In practical terms, if you exert a force over a greater distance (the distance moved by effort), this will translate to a smaller force being exerted over a shorter distance (the distance moved by load). Hence, machines like levers and pulleys utilize this principle to amplify force, making it easier to lift heavy loads.

The other choices do not represent the ideal mechanical advantage. The ratio of output work to input work evaluates efficiency rather than mechanical advantage. The load over effort ratio can signify the actual mechanical advantage but does not capture the ideal scenario where distances are considered. Lastly, force multiplied by distance does not yield the mechanical advantage directly; rather, it relates to the work done in the system. Thus, the relationship defined in the correct answer provides a clear and fundamental understanding of