What type of force is exerted by a mechanical system to perform work?

The force exerted by a mechanical system to perform work is best defined as mechanical force. Mechanical force is the result of the action of various components within a mechanical system, such as gears, levers, and motors, which work together to move objects or perform tasks. This force is responsible for initiating movement, overcoming resistance, and transferring energy within the system to achieve the intended outcome, such as lifting, pushing, or rotating an object.

In contrast, the other types of forces listed are not specifically generated by a mechanical system to do work. Frictional force acts as a resistance to motion, which can hinder the performance of work rather than facilitate it. Gravitational force is a natural force that acts between two masses and is not dependent on a mechanical system's operation; it's a constant that affects all objects with mass. Inertial force relates to an object's resistance to change its state of motion and is not a direct force produced by a mechanical system. Thus, the most appropriate term for the force utilized by a mechanical system in performing work is mechanical force.