Question

Harold uses an inclined plane to move a washing machine from the sidewalk into his house. The vertical distance from the sidewalk to the house is 0.6 meters. What is the purpose of using an inclined plane in this situation?

1) To reduce the effort required to move the washing machine
2) To increase the speed at which the washing machine is moved
3) To prevent the washing machine from falling
4) To make it easier to clean the washing machine

Answer 1

The inclined plane reduces the effort required to move the washing machine into Harold's house by distributing its weight over a longer distance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of using an inclined plane in the situation where Harold moves a washing machine from the sidewalk into his house is to reduce the effort required to lift the heavy object. This simple machine allows for distributing the weight of the washing machine over a longer distance with less force compared to lifting it vertically, which means Harold exerts less effort. This concept is similar to how primitive technologies such as the ramps used in constructing the Egyptian pyramids enabled workers to move massive stone blocks without the need for modern machinery.