Walking uphill

[Allen Crisp]

At a supermarket near us, one of the exits has a choice of around twenty steps or a long gentle ramp for wheelchairs. It surprises me how many people walk up the ramp rather than use the steps (which are quicker). As you've got to raise your bodyweight to the same height either way, surely it takes the same amount of effort whether you use the steps or the ramp? Could someone who knows more about physics than I do shed some light on it.

[Loosehead]

well as you point out the ramp takes longer, therefore the same weight is raised the same height but over more time, hence gentler exercise.

[Hammer]

Yep, overall the effort is actually greater going up the ramp because the height is the same but the distance is longer.

That said, it's spread over a longer period of time, so it feels easier.

It's like the difference between walking and running. One's easier, but the other's quicker.

[newtron]

As I have weak a weak knee, I will usually choose the ramp, for it is noticeably gentler the joints.

[bruce5755]

Yes it's the time taken part of the equation that makes the difference;  A simple analogy is to think of a vehicle travelling up a mountain, less effort is required to gently wind your way up in gradual ascent to the top, than to drive straight up at an angle of 45degrees, but I dont know which would be more fuel efficient!

Either way it's probably better to stay at the pub at the bottom. :-)

[singhster]

What if the ramp and the steps were the same length? 

I reckon the ramp would take less effort, because on the steps  as you step up, you're probably lifting your foot slightly higher than you need to, then putting it down, whereas on a ramp you're never stepping down.

Anyone agree / disagree?

[SurferChick1]

I agree with Singhster - surely you have to use more energy walking up steps than walking up a gentle ramp? you need to lift your legs higher which woukld get your heart beaating faster which would make you more knackered when you get to the top....

Where is this supermarket, Allen? I vote that we all go there and experiment in the name of science....motion seconded anyone?