Inclined Plane and Wedge - Mrs. Bader's Classroom

BLM 2.3-Inclined Plane tables
INCLINED PLANE
The formula for calculating work is _____________________________
Table 1: WITHOUT RAMP
FORCE (Newtons) DISTANCE LIFTED
Table 2: WITH RAMP
HEIGHT OF
RAMP
FORCE
(Newtons)
(metres)
0.75 m
0.5 m
0.25 m
DISTANCE
ALONG RAMP
(metres)
WORK ACCOMPLISHED (J)
W=force (N) x distance (m)
WORK ACCOMPLISHED (J)
W=force (N) x distance (m)
0.75 m
0.5 m
0.25 m
Graph the results found in both tables above. Remember to label, use appropriate scales and be
accurate and neat when completing graphs.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. As the height of the ramp was decreased, what happened to the amount of force that was
necessary to drag the wooden block to the top of the books? ____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. Compare the amount of work accomplished to move the wooden block vertically a specific
distance with the amount of work required by dragging the same wooden block up a ramp with
the same vertical height. _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. What forces are being exerted on the block of wood and the kilogram weight while being
dragged up the ramp? ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
4. List possible suggestions on how you could modify the ramp in order to reduce the amount of
force needed to drag the wooden block. _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Copyright: Thames Valley District School Board, 1999
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