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Inclined planes

An inclined plane is a flat surface that is at an angle to the load. This type of 'machine' has no parts that move.

An example of an inclined plane is a ramp for wheelchairs (see Diagram 3). The inclined plane of the ramp makes it easier for the person in the wheelchair to move up into a building.

The steeper the slope of the inclined plane, the more effort it takes to move the person in the wheelchair up the slope.

Diagram 3 - an example of an inclined plane

Some other examples of inclined planes include:

roads leading up slopes
car ramps in parking stations
staircases for people to walk up and down.

You will agree that it is easier to walk up a ramp or a staircase than to climb to the same height up a ladder.

How many examples of inclined planes did you find in the Simple Machines Animation?