Question

A refrigerator can be lifted a distance of h using two methods. One method, called lift, involves lifting the refrigerator vertically using a forklift. The other method, called push, involves pushing the refrigerator up a ramp. Ignore friction between the refrigerator and the ramp. If the refrigerator is moved at the same constant speed during both motions, which of the following statements are true?

a) Less applied force is exerted on the refrigerator during the push.

b) The refrigerator gains more mechanical energy during the lift.

c) More work is done on the refrigerator by the applied force during the push.

d) The refrigerator gains more mechanical energy during the push.

Answer 1

Less applied force is exerted during the push, the refrigerator gains more mechanical energy during the lift, and more work is done on the refrigerator by the applied force during the push.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statements are:

1. Less applied force is exerted on the refrigerator during the push. When pushing the refrigerator up the ramp, the applied force is exerted in a direction parallel to the surface of the ramp, which is less than the vertical force required to lift the refrigerator directly.
2. The refrigerator gains more mechanical energy during the lift. During the lift, the work done is equal to the force exerted times the distance lifted, resulting in more mechanical energy gained compared to the push up the ramp.
3. More work is done on the refrigerator by the applied force during the push. The work done is equal to the force exerted times the distance traveled. Since the distance traveled is longer during the push up the ramp, more work is done on the refrigerator.