PASCO ME-9502 Statics System - Manual (Page 83)

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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 79
2. Slowly push the Spring Scale straight up a distance, d
1
sin
the height to
which the Mass Cart was raised when it was on the Inclined Plane. (Raise
the Spring Scale slowly so that there is no appreciable change in the read-
ing of the Spring Scale.)
Calculations
1. Calculate and record the amount of work that was done on the Mass Cart by
lifting it straight up by a distance of d
1
sin

• Work = F d = F
2
d
1
sin
 = ___________________
2. Calculate and record the change in gravitational potential energy of the
Mass Cart.
•
E = Weight x height = W d
1
sin
 = __________________.
Questions
1. How does the work done on the Mass Cart when it was on the Inclined
Plane compare to the work done when it was lifted directly by the Spring Scale?
2. How does an inclined plane make it easier to perform work, such as raising a heavy load? In other words,
what is the advantage of using the inclined plane?
d
1
sin

Outline
Original
position
Fig. 13.5: Raise the Mass Cart