PASCO ME-9502 Statics System - Manual (Page 81)

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M o d e l N o . M E - 9 5 0 2 E x p . 1 3 : S i m p l e M a c h i n e s – T h e I n c l i n e d P l a n e
0 1 2 - 1 2 8 7 6 B 77
Exp. 13: Simple Machines–The Inclined Plane
Equipment Needed
Introduction
The inclined plane, like the lever, is often used to help
raise heavy objects. In a previous experiment, you ana-
lyzed this use of the inclined plane in terms of the
forces that are involved. In this experiment you will
take a second look at the inclined plane, using the con-
cepts of work and conservation of energy as you
applied them in previous experiments.
The work to lift an object with a weight, W, is the prod-
uct of the weight and the height. To push the same
object up the inclined plane requires a smaller force, W
sin

, than the object’s weight, but the distance over which the force acts is longer. The angle

is the incline of the
plane.
Procedure
1. Put a 100 g mass on the peg of the Mass Cart and use the Spring Scale to measure the total weight, W, of the
cart plus mass.
• Weight, W = ______________
2. Put the Inclined Plane on the Statics Board at a relatively small angle (such as 15°). Put a Pulley and the
Spring Scale on the board near one end of the Inclined Plane. Put the Mass Cart on the Inclined Plane and use
thread to connect the end of the Mass Cart to the Spring Scale.
Item Item
Statics Board and Pulley Mounted Spring Scale
Mass and Hanger Set Inclined Plane and Mass Cart
Pencil or Dry Erase Marker Pen Thread
Figure 13.1: Inclined Plane
height
F
parallel
= W sin

W
F
up
= W
A
B

Figure 13.2: Equipment Setup
Inclined
Plane
Pulley
Spring
Scale
Mass
Cart
100-g
mass
Keep the thread
parallel to the plane.
Mark the outline of
the Spring Scale.