A mover uses a ramp to load a crate of nails onto a truck. The crate, which must be lifted 1.5 m from the street to the bed of the truck, is pushed along the length of the ramp. If the ramp is 4.5 m long and friction between the ramp and crate can be ignored, what is the mechanical advantage of the ramp?

Explanation:

Using the efficiency formula. Efficiency = MA/VR * 100%

MA = Mechanical Advantage

VR = velocity ratio =

Distance moved by effort = 4.5m

distance moved by load = 1.5m

VR = 4.5/1.5 =3

Assuming efficiency is 100% (since friction can be ignored)

100% = MA/3 * 100%

1 = MA/3

MA = 3*1

MA = 3

Mechanical Advantage of the ramp is 3