A fundamental measurement in lever mechanics that determines the mechanical advantage of a system. It is the length of the lever arm between the pivot point and the center of the resistive load. A shorter resistance distance relative to the effort distance yields a higher mechanical advantage, making heavy loads easier to move.
Heard on the job
If we decrease the resistance distance by moving the pivot closer to the block, the winch won't have to work as hard.
Also heard as
- load arm