Inclined Planes and Pulleys
Inclined Plane A flat surface that is raised. Reduces the amount of force needed to move an object up. A simple machine.
Examples of Inclined Planes: Ramp on a moving truck Escalator Stairs Handicap ramp
Shorter the ramp has less distance, but more force needed to move the object. Longer the ramp has more distance, but needs less force to move the object.
Pulleys A simple machine. A wheel with a groove in it. A rope/cable goes into the groove.
Pulleys can: Change direction of force Change amount of force Change direction & amount of force
Fixed Pulley Stays attached. Does not change the amount of force Only changes the direction of force. Easier to push down than to pull up.
http://www.the-office.com/summerlift/pulleybasics.htm
Moveable Pulley The mass is attached to the pulley. The pulley moves on the rope.
Advantage: Cuts the amount of force needed to move the mass. Disadvantage: You have to pull or push the pulley up or down.
http://www.the-office.com/summerlift/pulleybasics.htm