Expert: Kevin Johnson - 1/11/2006

Question
What happens to the efficiency, as the inclined plane is made steeper? Explain why this happens.

I'm a 10th grader taking honor physics.
from my lab results, i know the efficiency increases. but why? my teacher grades every lab report we do and i've already answered everything except this one. i can't figure it out. Can you help me?

Answer
Hello Catia,

The efficiency of an energy conversion is the ratio between the (kinetic and potential) energy before the conversion and the (kinetic and potential) energy afterwards. The difference between these energies is the dissipative (or heat) loss incurred.

On an inclined plane you lose energy that is converted to heat due to friction. Think about what happens to friction if the angle is steeper - bear in mind that friction is proportional to the contact force between the weight and the plane.

I hope I could help you a bit further with your problem.

Peace,
Kevin