Question

Part A

The maximum angle of elevation for a ramp designed to be safe for a motorized wheelchair is 7.1°.
Is the ramp at the local library safe for motorized wheelchairs? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Answer: Not safe

Explanation:

Let the angle of elevation of the ramp be θ, then:

`\begin{aligned}&\sin \theta=(1.5)/(10)=0.15 \\&\theta=\sin ^(-1)(0.15) \approx 8.63^(\circ)\end{aligned}`

But the maximum angle for the ramp cannot exceed 7.1°. The calculated angle of elevation will make it difficult, if not impossible, for motorized wheelchairs to get up the ramp.

Therefore, the ramp at the local library is not safe for motorized wheelchairs