Question

A student wants to use a ramp to move boxes into a truck bed that is 3 m high. He has a choice of 2 different ramps. The length of one ramp is 2m, and the length of the other ramp is 8m. Which one will make his work easier? A. 8m, because he has to apply more force over a greater distance. B. 8m, because he has to apply less force over a greater distance. C. 2m, because he has to apply less force over a greater distance. D. 2m, because he has to apply more force over a greater distance

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is;

B. 8 m, because he has to apply less force over a greater distance

Explanation:

In the given question, in order for the student to lift the boxes onto the tuck with less amount of force, he applies the principle of Mechanical Advantage

The mechanical advantage is given by the measure by which a force is amplified through the use of a tool

Given that the work done = The force × The distance, we have

F₁ × d₁ = F₂ × d₂, which gives;

d₁/d₂ = F₂/F₁

Where;

F₁ = The input force

F₂ = The output force

d₁ = The input distance

d₂ = The output distance

The Mechanical advantage, MA = d₁/d₂ = F₂/F₁

Therefore, when the input distance is increased the input force will be reduced for a given output force