Why does it feel “easier” to go up a set of steps on an angle, rather than straight on? Surely the work required to go up them is the same?

Question

Why does it feel “easier” to go up a set of steps on an angle, rather than straight on? Surely the work required to go up them is the same?

In: Physics

Answer 1

It has to do with energy vs. power. It takes the same amount of energy either way, since you are lifting yourself up the same distance. The slower you go, or the longer the path you take, you are spreading that energy out over a longer period, which makes it feel easier.

Humans can expend a lot of energy, but the rate (power) at which they do it is very limited. For instance, you could lift a 50 lb weight 50 times at the gym. But you couldn’t lift a 2500 lb weight once, even though it is the same total amount of weight being lifted.