About ideal mechanical advantage for an inclined plane

In summary, the formula for the ideal mechanical advantage (IMA) for an inclined plane is 1/sin(theta). However, if the angle is zero, the inclined plane concept is not applicable and the IMA and actual mechanical advantage (AMA) would both be 1. This means there would be no advantage or disadvantage to using a machine to drag the object across the surface.
  • #1
FisherDude
23
0
the formula for the IMA for an inclined plane is 1/sin(theta)...right? But what if the angle was zero (which would mean it is not an inclined plane), then you wouldn't be able to divide by zero...so how would you get the IMA if the angle was zero?

I am very very confused about this...any help would be much appreciated.
 
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  • #2
the formula wat u have mentioned is applicable for an inclined plane... ie when we use an inclined plane for lifting a object of mass 'm' through a height 'h'. In general mechanical advantage is defined as the ratio of resistance force divided by the effort u apply... ie its the number of times the machine makes ur work simple.. if the angle is zero... it is clear that you don't need to lift the object... hence the application of inclined plane concept is ruled out...
 
  • #3
Yeah, that's what I guessed at...so in this case the IMA and AMA would just be 1? since there wouldn't be any advantage or disadvantage to using a machine to drag the object across the surface?
 

What is an inclined plane?

An inclined plane is a simple machine that consists of a flat surface that is angled or sloped. It is used to reduce the effort required to lift an object to a certain height by increasing the distance over which the object is moved.

What is the ideal mechanical advantage of an inclined plane?

The ideal mechanical advantage of an inclined plane is the ratio of the length of the sloped surface to the height of the inclined plane. It is calculated by dividing the length of the inclined plane by the height.

How does an inclined plane make work easier?

An inclined plane makes work easier by reducing the amount of force needed to lift an object to a certain height. This is accomplished by spreading out the force required over a longer distance, which requires less effort.

What are some examples of inclined planes?

Some common examples of inclined planes include ramps, staircases, and slides. Other examples include wheelchair ramps, escalators, and roads that wind up a hill or mountain.

How does friction affect the ideal mechanical advantage of an inclined plane?

Friction can decrease the ideal mechanical advantage of an inclined plane by requiring more force to overcome the resistance of the surface. This can be minimized by using smooth and lubricated surfaces on the inclined plane.

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