Calculating Work on an Inclined Plane

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the effort force of pulling a cart up a ramp with no friction, knowing the weight of the cart. The homework equations used are for finding work and efficiency. The attempt at a solution involves comparing the efficiency of a frictionless ramp to one with friction. The main question is if the efficiency for the frictionless ramp is less than for the one with friction. The solution also mentions using the weight of the cart as the force in the work equation and considering only the force component parallel to the inclined plane.
  • #1
cheerspens
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Homework Statement


How do you find the effort force of pulling a cart up a ramp with no friction and you know that the weight of the cart is 7.6734 N?


Homework Equations


W=F[tex]\Delta[/tex]Xcos[tex]\theta[/tex]
Efficiency=(work output / work input) x 100

The Attempt at a Solution


My main goal is to compare the efficiency of an ideal frictionless machine (the ramp) to the efficiency of a ramp with friction that I already have the calculations for.
However my efficiency for the frictionless ramp is less than the efficiency for on with friction. Could this be right?
When I'm solving the work equation in order to get the work input and output I use 7.6734 for the force. Is this right?
 
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  • #2
When you calculate work done from a constant force, you need only think about the force component parallel to the line of motion. What is the forcecomponent parallel the to inclined plane?
 

Related to Calculating Work on an Inclined Plane

1. How does an inclined plane work?

An inclined plane is a simple machine that consists of a flat surface that is angled at an incline. When a force is applied to an object on the inclined plane, it reduces the amount of force needed to move the object by increasing the distance over which the force is applied.

2. What are the advantages of using an inclined plane?

One advantage of using an inclined plane is that it can reduce the amount of force needed to move an object, making it easier to lift or move heavy objects. It also allows for the use of less force over a longer distance, which can be more manageable for certain tasks.

3. What factors affect the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane?

The mechanical advantage of an inclined plane is affected by the angle of the incline, the length of the incline, and the height of the incline. The steeper the angle, the longer the incline, and the higher the incline, the greater the mechanical advantage.

4. How do you calculate the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane?

The mechanical advantage of an inclined plane can be calculated by dividing the length of the incline by the height of the incline. For example, if the length of the incline is 5 meters and the height is 1 meter, the mechanical advantage would be 5.

5. How is an inclined plane used in everyday life?

Inclined planes are used in everyday life in various ways, such as ramps for wheelchairs and strollers, roads and highways over hills and mountains, and even in playground slides. They are also used in construction, such as for loading and unloading materials onto trucks or building ramps for easier access to buildings.

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