Mechanical advantage is the ratio of the effort to the resistance on the other side of a simple machine. What is the resistance side called?

• A. Friction side
• B. Output side
• C. Resistance side
• D. Distance side

Answer: (C)

When analyzing a simple machine, we focus on two forces: the effort you apply and the resistance you’re trying to overcome on the other side. The resistance side is the side where that opposing force acts—the load you’re attempting to move. Calling it the resistance side directly names the force you’re fighting, which is why it’s the correct term in this context. Mechanical advantage uses the ratio of that resistance force to your effort force, so identifying the side that contains the resistance makes sense. Other terms like friction, generic output, or distance don’t specifically name the side carrying the resisting force.