using a come-along I am pulling 220 lbs. up a stairway(45*) angle. How much weight am I actually pulling?
To calculate the actual weight you are pulling while using a come-along, we need to consider the angle of the stairway. In this case, you mentioned a 45-degree angle.
The weight being pulled can be calculated using the formula:
Actual weight = Applied force / Cos(angle)
In this formula, the applied force is the force you are exerting with the come-along, and the angle is the angle of the stairway. The cosine of the angle is used because it represents the component of the force acting in the direction of the stairway.
Let's substitute the values into the formula:
Applied force = 220 lbs
Angle = 45 degrees
Actual weight = 220 lbs / Cos(45 degrees)
To get the value of Cos(45 degrees), you can use a calculator or reference a cosine table. The cosine of 45 degrees is approximately 0.707.
Actual weight = 220 lbs / 0.707
Actual weight ≈ 311.12 lbs
Therefore, you are actually pulling approximately 311.12 lbs while using the come-along to pull 220 lbs up a stairway at a 45-degree angle.