Lesson 1.3: Uses of an Inclined Plane

Inclined planes are often called ramps.  One of the most common ramps is a wheelchair ramp that makes raising a wheelchair to a higher level easier than using stairs.  Here is a picture of a wheelchair ramp built for a house.

Inclined planes have many uses that are not ramps.  Have you ever driven up a steep mountain?  To drive straight up the mountain is impossible.  The road in the picture makes a series of inclined planes that we often call switchbacks.

Switchbacks are even used in hiking trails where the slope is too severe to climb.  Here is a picture of a hiking switchback.  

Answer the following questions.

Question 1. To go up a mountain, which would be the shorter road-the straight up road or the switchback road?

Question 2. If a road also went straight up the mountain, which would be the easier road-the straight up road or the switchback road?

Question 3. If a road also went straight up the mountain, which would take the least fuel-the straight up road or the switchback road?

 

Check your answers with those that follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers to Questions:

Question 1. To go up a mountain, which would be the shorter road-the straight up road or the switchback road?

The straight up road would be shorter.

Question 2. If a road also went straight up the mountain, which would be the easier road-the straight up road or the switchback road?

The switchback road would be easier.

Question 3. If a road also went straight up the mountain, which would take the least fuel-the straight up road or the switchback road?

The switchback road would be easier and require less fuel; the straight up road might well be impossible.

 


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