Here's the completed worksheet with explanations:
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Mechanical Advantage and the Inclined Plane
SPH4C
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1. A load is a _resistance_ or _object_ that is being _moved_ (and possibly being _lifted_).
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Explanation: In simple machines, the “load” is the object or resistance you are trying to move or lift — for example, a box being pushed up a ramp or a person in a wheelchair being moved up a ramp. It’s the thing you’re working against.
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2. The load distance for the inclined plane is the _vertical height_, or _rise_, of the inclined plane.
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Explanation: The “load distance” refers to how far the load is moved *against gravity* — which is vertically upward. So even though the object moves along the slope, the useful work done is lifting it vertically. That vertical distance is called the height or rise.
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3. The effort distance is the total distance the load is being moved: the _length_ of the inclined plane.
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Explanation: The “effort distance” is how far you apply force — i.e., how far you push or pull the object along the ramp. This is the full length of the inclined plane, from bottom to top.
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4. The ideal mechanical advantage (or IMA) is defined as the _ratio_ of the effort distance to the load distance:
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Explanation: Ideal Mechanical Advantage (IMA) = Effort Distance / Load Distance
> For an inclined plane: IMA = Length of Ramp / Height of Ramp
> This tells you how much the machine multiplies your input force — ideally, without friction.
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Example: A wheelchair ramp is 9.0 m long and has a vertical rise of 1.5 m. What is the ideal mechanical advantage of the ramp?
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Solution:
> IMA = Effort Distance / Load Distance
> IMA = Length / Height
> IMA = 9.0 m / 1.5 m
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IMA = 6
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Explanation: This means that, ideally, you only need 1/6th of the force required to lift the wheelchair straight up — but you must push it over 6 times the distance. Mechanical advantage trades force for distance.
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5. This mechanical advantage should also be reflected in the _force reduction_ required to move the load.
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Explanation: Since IMA = Output Force / Input Force (in ideal case), an IMA of 6 means the input force needed is only 1/6 of the weight of the load. So the force required to push the wheelchair up the ramp is 1/6 of what it would take to lift it straight up.
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✔ Final Answers Filled In:
- A load is a
resistance/object that is being
moved (and possibly being
lifted).
- The load distance for the inclined plane is the
vertical height, or
rise, of the inclined plane.
- The effort distance is the total distance the load is being moved: the
length of the inclined plane.
- The ideal mechanical advantage (or IMA) is defined as the
ratio of the effort distance to the load distance.
- Example: IMA =
6
- This mechanical advantage should also be reflected in the
force reduction required to move the load.
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Let me know if you’d like a diagram explanation or real-world applications!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of inclined plane worksheet.
