Two sets of staircases connect the floors of a tall building from ground level to rooftop. Staircase A is inclined at 30°. Staircase B is inclined at 45°. Climbing the complete length of which staircase, if either of them, involves doing more work against gravity?

Question

Laurel Hansen

Physics

16 May, 10:16

Two sets of staircases connect the floors of a tall building from ground level to rooftop. Staircase A is inclined at 30°. Staircase B is inclined at 45°. Climbing the complete length of which staircase, if either of them, involves doing more work against gravity?

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Haven Gallegos · Answer 1

At first glance, it seems that it would be more work to climb the staircase with the greater incline. But on further reflection, it is obvious that climbing the complete length of each staircase involves doing the same amount of work against gravity, because the vertical distance is the same. The answer is that each involves doing the same amount of work against gravity.