Inclined Plane

$\text{V.R} = \dfrac{\text{Length of the plane}}{\text{Height of the plane}}$

A loaded wheelbarrow of weight 800N is pushed up an inclined plane by a force of 150N parallel to the plane. If the plane rises by 50cm for every 400cm distance measured along the plane, find the velocity ratio, mechanical advantage, and efficiency of the plane.

Solution:

Data given:

Load = 800N Effort = 150N Length of plane = 400cm Height of plane = 50cm

Velocity Ratio (V.R):

$\text{V.R} = \dfrac{400\,\text{cm}}{50\,\text{cm}}$

$\text{V.R} = 8$

Mechanical Advidx (M.A):

$\text{M.A} = \dfrac{800\,\text{N}}{150\,\text{N}}$

$\text{M.A} = 5.3$

Efficiency:

$\text{Efficiency} = \dfrac{\text{M.A}}{\text{V.R}} \times 100\%$

$e = \dfrac{5.3}{8} \times 100\%$

$e = 66.25\% \approx 67\%$

1. Inclined planes are used as loading ramps to load and unload goods onto trucks, ships, and airplanes.
2. Wheelchair ramps help people in wheelchairs overcome vertical obstacles with less effort.
3. Escalators are motorized inclined planes that transport people between different floor levels.
4. Slanted conveyor belts are used in industries to move goods upwards or downwards efficiently.
5. Slides in playgrounds work as inclined planes for entertainment, allowing smooth motion down a slope.
6. Hiking or mountain trails are often made in a zigzag or sloped form to reduce effort when climbing steep terrain.