Question

Does friction waste more work on longer or shorter inclined planes?

How can you tell?
Why do you think this is? (Hint: Remember the stick presses up on the item. Do your hands get warmer faster if you press them together harder while you rub?)

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

The force of friction is proportional to the normal force = mg cos (angle)

as the angle increases ( shorter incline) the normal force becomes less ( so friction is less)

the steep ramp is shorter and the force of friction is less so the longer, less inclined plane will waste more work because friction is higher and ramp is longer.

Another way to look at it....as the ramp becomes steeper and steeper it becomes closer to being vertical....when there would be no friction...thus less wasted work on friction