Search for Science Fair Projects

1000 Science Fair Projects with Complete Instructions

Forces and Motion Science Fair Project

Ramp Angles and Pulling Force

Medium
Ramp Angles and Pulling Force | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Does a ramp really make it easier to move something heavy? A ramp is a simple machine called an inclined plane. It trades distance for effort. The gentler the slope, the less force you need. You build a ramp from a ruler or paint stick and LEGO supports. Attach a string to a weighted brick and hook it to a spring scale. Pull the brick up the ramp and read the force. Then change the ramp angle and measure again. Compare each reading to the force needed to lift the brick straight up. The steeper the ramp, the closer the force gets to a direct lift.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that the force needed to pull a mass up a ramp will be less than the force needed to lift it straight up.

Method & Materials

You will construct a ramp and measure the force needed to pull a mass up the ramp with a spring scale. You will then compare the force needed to pull the mass up the ramp to the force needed to lift it straight up.
You will need a spring scale, string, ramp, tag board, tape, and LEGO elements.

MEL Physics — monthly physics experiment kits delivered to your door. (Affiliate link)

See whats included

Results

The results of this experiment show that the force needed to pull a mass up a ramp is less than the force needed to lift it straight up. This suggests that using a ramp is a more efficient way to lift an object.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting because it allows students to explore the concept of mechanical advantage and how it can be used to make work easier.

Also Consider

Experiment variations to consider include changing the angle of the ramp and using different materials for the ramp.

Full project details

Additional information and source material for this project are available below.

Related video

These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
Share this Science Project:

Related Science Fair Project Ideas

Salt, Temperature, and Water Surface Tension
Float a tiny aluminum foil square on water and count how many rice grains it holds before sinking at five different temperatures.
Medium
Tennis Ball Hardness and Launch Distance
Launch three brands of tennis balls with different hardness levels and measure whether softer balls travel farther.
Medium
Salt, Heat, and Surface Tension Strength
Drop rice grains onto foil floating in pure and salt water at five temperatures to map how surface tension weakens.
Medium
Share this Science Project: