Question

Two piles of heavy boxes must be lifted onto a shelf. Each pile has 20 boxes, and each box is the same size and weight. Tom lifts each box straight up from the pile to the shelf. Claudia places a long, gradual ramp that leads from the pile to the shelf. She pushes each box up the ramp until it rests on the shelf. Part A. Compare the amount of force each person used when raising the boxes. Who used more force?

A. Tom
B. Claudia
C. Both used the same force
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Tom lifted the boxes straight up, requiring a force equal to the boxes' weight. Claudia used a ramp, exerting less force due to the mechanical advantage. Claudia used less force than Tom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks us to compare the amount of force Tom and Claudia used when raising the boxes. Tom lifts each box straight up from the pile to the shelf, whereas Claudia uses a ramp to push each box up to the shelf. Lifting an object straight up requires a force that is equal to the weight of the object, while pushing an object up a ramp requires a force that is less than the weight, assuming the ramp is frictionless. This is due to the mechanical advantage gained by applying the force over a longer distance using the ramp, which makes the work needed to elevate the box the same, even though the force applied at any given moment by Claudia would be less intensive.

Therefore, the answer to the question is that Claudia used less force compared to Tom, since she utilized a ramp, which reduces the force needed to lift each box to the same height. Considering the options provided, the most accurate response would be B. Claudia.