FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Physics, Math and Fluid LinesMedium
A loading ramp used to raise ground support equipment is 20 feet long and rises to a platform 4 feet high. Treating the ramp as an inclined plane, what is its mechanical advantage?
- A16
- B4
- C0.2
- D5
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 5
The mechanical advantage of an inclined plane equals the length of the incline divided by its height: MA = 20 ft / 4 ft = 5. This means the effort force needed is 1/5 of the weight being moved.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This results from multiplying length by height instead of dividing.
- B. This is the height value alone, not the ratio.
- C. This inverts the correct ratio (height/length).
Inclined Plane Mechanical Advantage
A simple machine where MA equals the ratio of the slope length to its vertical rise, allowing a smaller force to move a load over a longer distance.
- MA = length of incline / height of incline
- Longer, shallower ramps give greater mechanical advantage
- Trade-off: less force but greater distance traveled
Memory trick: 'Long ramp, light load' — length over height gives the advantage.