Chapter 8 Machines
239
Uses for Inclined Planes
Common uses for inclined planes include:
• Loading and unloading a car transporter.
• Replacing steps so people with strollers or wheelchairs have access.
Figure 8-27 shows other common uses for inclined planes.
Calculating Inclined Planes
How do people who build ramps decide about their length? Guessing
about it is too costly. They might have to tear down the ramp and start
over. Therefore, they use mathematics.
gure 8-25. A pizza cutter is a form
of wheel and axle. Where are the effort,
fulcrum, and resistance located?
gure 8-26. It would be much more
difficult to lift furniture in and out of the
truck without a ramp. Would a shorter
ramp make the task harder or easier?