An inclined plane is one of six simple machines used in physics and mechanics to amplify or redirect force. It reduces the amount of force needed to move objects between different heights and can be used for safety. Examples include ramps, slides, knives, and hatchets. When an object is on an inclined plane, there are three principal forces on it: normal, gravitational, and frictional. A formula can be used to determine if an object can be moved on an inclined plane.
An inclined plane is one of six simple machines defined by early scientists that are used with reference to physics or mechanics. The other five are levers, pulleys, screws, wedges, wheels and axles. These simple machines were designed to amplify or redirect force in such a way as to maximize the amount of work they could do. Simply put, an inclined plane is an object that has a flat surface and is inclined at a fixed angle.
The mechanical advantage this machine provides is a reduced amount of force required to move objects between locations with different heights. Without the plane, moving an object vertically would require much more force. Also, it can help move items safely down.
Using a child’s slide at a playground as an example, if the child is on a platform above the ground and were to fall off the platform downwards, there is a strong likelihood of injury. It’s true that it would be faster, but it’s definitely not sure. If a child uses a slide, an example of an inclined plane, then he will go down at a slower and safer pace. Likewise, if the child attempted to climb to the top, it would require much more effort than if he climbed the slide.
An inclined plane has many applications and there are many examples in people’s daily lives. Some examples are ramps, slides, chutes, knives and hatchets. It may seem strange for a knife to be classified this way, but a close look at a knife blade reveals the downward slope.
When an object is on an inclined plane, there are three principal forces on it. These forces are the normal force, the gravitational force and the frictional force. While air resistance is a force on the object, it is usually not considered because it is usually negligible. Normal force is the force exerted on the object that is perpendicular (90°) to the tilt. Gravitational force is the force that pulls the object directly under it. Finally, the friction force is parallel to the plane. Rather than using trial and error, a person can predetermine whether an object can be moved in a plane using a formula involving these three forces, the mass of the object, and the angle of inclination.
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