An inclined plane or a ramp, is another simple machine. It is used to move an object up a vertical height. It reduces the force needed to move the object, compared to not using the inclined plane, but the distance the object has to travel is increased. Due to the distance being increased, the time it takes to move the object may also be increased. The work required to move the object vertically remains the same with or without the ramp. Inclined planes are used in many situations. One example is shown below:
Ideal Mechanical Advantage of an Inclined Plane To calculate the ideal mechanical advantage of an inclined plane, you have to divide the length of the slope by the height of the ramp.
Ie. Owen is pushing a snowball up a hill that is 5 feet tall and has a length of 20 feet.
The Wedge and the Screw The wedge and the screw are both unique variations of the original inclined plane. Like the inclined plane and the lever, the screw and wedge are both simple machines. The screw is just a thin inclined plane winding around a small cylinder. The inclined plane on a screw is called a thread. The wedge is a triangular tool that moves into a material or object. If the wedge is more narrow or longer, than it's machanical advantage will be greater. Some examples of a wedge are a knive and a door stopper.
Inclined Plane
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An inclined plane or a ramp, is another simple machine. It is used to move an object up a vertical height. It reduces the force needed to move the object, compared to not using the inclined plane, but the distance the object has to travel is increased. Due to the distance being increased, the time it takes to move the object may also be increased. The work required to move the object vertically remains the same with or without the ramp. Inclined planes are used in many situations. One example is shown below:
Ideal Mechanical Advantage of an Inclined Plane
To calculate the ideal mechanical advantage of an inclined plane, you have to divide the length of the slope by the height of the ramp.
Ie. Owen is pushing a snowball up a hill that is 5 feet tall and has a length of 20 feet.
The Wedge and the Screw
The wedge and the screw are both unique variations of the original inclined plane. Like the inclined plane and the lever, the screw and wedge are both simple machines. The screw is just a thin inclined plane winding around a small cylinder. The inclined plane on a screw is called a thread. The wedge is a triangular tool that moves into a material or object. If the wedge is more narrow or longer, than it's machanical advantage will be greater. Some examples of a wedge are a knive and a door stopper.
Home | Levers | Inclined Planes | Practice Test | Bibliography