Simple machine - inclined plane
- Author:
- itmeson
This is a simulation of a device for pulling a heavy object up to a height -- using a pulley and a ramp. The pulley is there to change the direction of the downward pulling force, to pull the mass up the ramp.
1. Play around with the simulation for a few minutes, and try to notice whether there are relationships between the mass on the ramp, the force you have to pull with, the angle of the ramp, and the acceleration of the objects.
2. Systematically investigate the equilibrium force required to hold the two objects motionless on the ramp. If the force applied is any larger than the equilibrium force, the mass will accelerate up the ramp. If the applied force is any less than the equilibrium force, the mass will accelerate *down* the ramp. The equilibrium force is the force you would need to apply to drag the mass up the ramp *at a constant speed*. How is the ramp angle related to the equilibrium force?