Introduction

An inclined plane is a slanted surface used to raise objects. The sloping floor of a theater, a road over a mountain, and a ramp into a building are examples of inclined planes. In this experiment, you will use a computer-interfaced Force Sensor to measure the force needed to lift an object and the force needed to pull the same object up an inclined plane. You will then calculate and compare work done in raising the object to the same height by lifting it and pulling it up an inclined plane.

Objectives

In this experiment, you will

  • Use a Force Sensor to measure force.
  • Compare forces.
  • Calculate work and efficiency.
  • Make conclusions using the results of the experiment.