ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Mechanical Comprehension (MC)Easy
A worker uses a ramp to push a 150 kg cart up to a platform. The ramp is 4 meters long and the platform is 1 meter high. Ignoring friction, what is the ideal mechanical advantage of the ramp?
- A4.0
- B1.0
- C0.25
- D150
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 4.0
The ideal mechanical advantage (IMA) of an inclined plane (ramp) is calculated by dividing the length of the ramp by its height. IMA = Length of Ramp / Height of Platform = 4 meters / 1 meter = 4.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect, this would mean no mechanical advantage (ramp length equals height).
- C. Incorrect, this is the inverse (height/length).
- D. Incorrect, this is the mass of the cart, which is irrelevant for ideal mechanical advantage.
IMA of Inclined Plane
The ideal mechanical advantage of an inclined plane (ramp) is the ratio of the length of the inclined surface to the vertical height it overcomes, assuming no friction.
- Formula: IMA = Length / Height.
- The longer the ramp for a given height, the greater the IMA.
- Allows a smaller force to lift a heavier object over a longer distance.
Memory trick: Ramp's length over height gives MA's might.