Match each type of wedge or wedge application with its correct mechanical characteristic.
- Long, thin wedgeProvides high mechanical advantage and requires less applied effort force.
- Short, thick wedgeProvides lower mechanical advantage but splits material apart rapidly over a short distance.
- DoorstopSecures objects in place primarily by utilizing friction against a surface.
Answer
The correct matches are: Long, thin wedge corresponds to high mechanical advantage and less effort; Short, thick wedge corresponds to lower mechanical advantage but rapid splitting; Doorstop corresponds to securing objects using friction.
The correct pairings are based on the principle that the ideal mechanical advantage (IMA) of a wedge is its length divided by its thickness. A long, thin wedge has a high mechanical advantage and therefore requires less effort force to penetrate a material. Conversely, a short, thick wedge has a lower mechanical advantage, meaning it takes more effort force, but it successfully splits the object wider in a shorter distance. A doorstop is a specific application that uses the wedge shape to generate a strong normal force and resulting friction between the door and the floor, holding the object stationary.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The mechanical advantage of a wedge is determined by the ratio of its length to its thickness, governing the trade-off between the effort force required and the distance the material is separated.