Question

A ramp distributes the distance the box has to be lifted over a longer distance, so there is less exertion (work) required to raise the box to the same height. Pulleys allow less force to be applied over a greater distance to do the same amount of work. Which of the following statements is true?

1) A ramp and pulleys both require the same amount of force to do work
2) A ramp requires less force but pulleys require more force to do work
3) A ramp requires more force but pulleys require less force to do work
4) A ramp and pulleys both require less force to do work

Answer 1

Both a ramp and pulleys allow for less force required to do the same amount of work by spreading the effort over a greater distance, making tasks like lifting easier.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that both a ramp and pulleys require less force to do work is true. This is because both machines allow a user to redistribute the effort over a greater distance, which reduces the force required to lift an object to the same height. In the case of a ramp, pushing a cart up an inclined plane is easier than lifting it straight up because the applied force is less, though the work done is the same if friction is negligible. Similarly, a pulley system can allow a significant reduction in the force needed to lift an object. For example, a pulley system that lifts a 200N load with a 52N effort force almost perfectly redistributes the effort in a more manageable way.