Question

To reach a higher floor, we find climbing an inclined ladder easier in comparison to climbing a vertical ladder (Fig.). Explain why.

Answer 1

An inclined plane is represented by an inclined ladder. An inclined ladder's length L must be greater than its height in order to reach the same height h.

Mechanical advantage of an inclined plane = `L/h`

Climbing the inclined ladder requires less force (effort) since the mechanical advantage is greater than 1 because L is bigger than h. When using a vertical ladder, we must raise our whole weight straight up, which calls for more force. As a result, even if we have to go farther, climbing an inclined ladder is simpler.