Physics: Inclined Plane

Objectives

• Describe an inclined plane as a simple machine
• Calculate the mechanical advantage of different inclined planes
• Use the formula for applied force on an inclined plane

Vocabulary

• acceleration due to gravity
• inclined plane
• mass
• simple machine
• work

About the Lesson

In this simulation, students explore an inclined plane as an example of a simple machine. Because of its mechanical advantage the force required to push an object up a ramp is easier than lifting it straight up, even though the overall amount of energy required is the same.