What is an Inclined Plane?
An inclined plane is one of the six simple machines defined by early scientists that are used with reference to physics or mechanics. The other five are levers, pulleys, screws, wedges, and wheels and axles. These simple machines were designed to magnify or redirect force in such a way as to maximize the amount of work they could accomplish. Simply put, an inclined plane is an object that has a flat surface and is slanted at a fixed angle. The mechanical advantage it provides is a reduced amount of force required to move objects between locations with different elevations. Without the inclined plane, moving an object vertically, would require much more force. Additionally, the inclined plane, can help move objects safely downward. Let’s take a child’s slide on a playground, for instance. If the child is on a platform above the ground and were to drop off of the platform straight down, the child has a strong likelihood of getting injured. It’s true that it would be faster, but definitel
An inclined plane is a simple machine. An inclined plane is a ramp used to reduce the effort needed to raise or lower an object over a vertical height. It is easier to climb stairs to get to a second floor than to climb straight up a rope. It is easier to walk up a long, gentle hill than to climb up a short, steep hill. The following are examples of inclined planes: • Loading ramp • Stairs or wheelchair ramp • Mountain road • Threaded screw. The ancient Egyptians used inclined planes, or ramps, to move huge blocks of stone to build the pyramids. Ramp Wheel Chair Ramp Mountain Road & Screw Return to Science questions and answers for kids page.
