Question

practice questions
9 when moving homes, you rent a truck that has a ramp to slide the boxes up. you push the boxes with a force of 70n. the ramp has an output force of 230n
a) what is the mechanical advantage?
b) was the result surprising? what possible explanation could you give for the mechanical advantage?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall mechanical advantage formula

Mechanical Advantage (MA) = $\frac{\text{Output Force}}{\text{Input Force}}$

Step2: Substitute given values

Input Force = 70N, Output Force = 230N
$MA = \frac{230}{70}$

Step3: Calculate the value

$MA \approx 3.29$

Answer:

a) $\approx 3.29$
b) The result is not surprising. A ramp is an inclined plane, a simple machine that provides mechanical advantage by increasing the distance over which force is applied, reducing the input force needed to lift the box to the truck's height. The mechanical advantage here means the ramp effectively multiplies the input force by ~3.29 to overcome the weight of the box and any friction, making it easier to move the box upward.