What happens to the mechanical advantage as the angle of an inclined plane decreases?

The mechanical advantage of an inclined plane is a measure of how much easier it is to lift a load when using the inclined plane compared to lifting it straight up. As the angle of the inclined plane decreases, the plane becomes less steep, which means that the load is being lifted over a longer distance but with a smaller height gain.

This change in angle effectively increases the mechanical advantage because you can apply a smaller force over a longer distance to raise the same load. The formula for mechanical advantage in relation to the inclined plane can be expressed as:

Mechanical Advantage = Length of Inclined Plane / Height of Inclined Plane

As the angle decreases, while the height decreases, the length of the inclined plane increases. This increase in length relative to the decrease in height results in a larger mechanical advantage. Thus, with a less steep incline, more of the gravitational force is effectively countered by the longer distance traveled along the plane, making it easier to move heavier objects.

Therefore, with a decrease in the angle of the inclined plane, the mechanical advantage increases, allowing for more efficient lifting of loads.