How Much Work Is Done Pushing an 80 kg Box Up a Frictionless Incline?

Thread starter jstead
Start date Nov 21, 2010
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Inclined Inclined planes Planes Work

In summary, an inclined plane is a slanted flat surface that is used to raise or lower objects more easily. It works by reducing the amount of force needed to move an object vertically, through the trade-off between force and distance. The formula for calculating its mechanical advantage is MA = length of ramp/height of ramp, and it is commonly used in everyday objects and activities such as wheelchairs, loading ramps, and playground slides. While inclined planes have the advantage of making it easier to move heavy objects, they also have some disadvantages such as requiring more space and potentially causing safety hazards if not properly secured.

Nov 21, 2010

jstead

1. An 80.0 kg box is pushed up a frictionless incline. Hypotenuse = 10.0 m. Opposite = 7.0 m. How much work is done on the box moving it to the top?

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Nov 21, 2010

rock.freak667

Homework Helper

You need to show some attempt before anyone at PF can help you.

(Hint: Consider the change in potential energy of the box)

FAQ: How Much Work Is Done Pushing an 80 kg Box Up a Frictionless Incline?

What is an inclined plane?

An inclined plane is a flat surface that is slanted at an angle, used to raise or lower objects more easily. It is one of the six simple machines and is commonly found in everyday objects such as ramps, stairs, and slides.

How do inclined planes make work easier?

Inclined planes reduce the amount of force needed to move an object vertically by increasing the distance over which the force is applied. This is known as the trade-off between force and distance, where less force is needed to move an object a longer distance.

What is the formula for calculating mechanical advantage of an inclined plane?

The formula for mechanical advantage of an inclined plane is MA = length of ramp/height of ramp. This means that the longer and shallower the ramp, the greater the mechanical advantage, making it easier to move objects up and down the ramp.

How are inclined planes used in everyday life?

Inclined planes are used in many everyday objects and activities such as wheelchairs, loading ramps, escalators, and even playground slides. They can also be found in more complex machines, such as cranes and bulldozers, to make lifting and moving heavy objects easier.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using inclined planes?

The main advantage of using inclined planes is that they make it easier to move heavy objects vertically, reducing the amount of force needed. However, they also require more space and can increase the time it takes to move an object. Additionally, inclined planes can sometimes cause objects to slide or roll down if not properly secured, which can be a safety hazard.