An inclined plane, or ramp, is a flat surface with its other end in a higher elevation. Learn about the definition of the inclined plane, and explore common examples of inclined planes.
What Is An Inclined Plane?
An inclined plane is a simple machine consisting of a sloping surface. It does not have any moving parts, and neither does it move. Inclined planes are useful because they can raise heavy objects against the force of gravity without the object going vertically.
An inclined plane takes advantage of the slope or inclination, making it easier to work against gravity. The force required to overcome gravity is much less than required to lift an object vertically; the latter is equal to the object’s weight. However, the distance traversed by the object will be longer.
Applications and Uses of Inclined Plane
Inclined planes serve many purposes ranging from basic needs to engineering applications. Here are some interesting facts about their uses and applications.
- A sloping road connects a roadway to a bridge or overpass.
- A ramp is used instead of a staircase for wheelchairs and shopping carts in departmental stores.
- Ancient pyramids had ramps that allowed laborers to roll up stones.
- A parking garage has ramps allowing vehicles to move from one level to another.
- A sloped driveway is used in front of houses, stone buildings, and palaces for driving vehicles up to the entrance. In old times, horse-drawn carriages would ride up the driveway.
- A stunt performer uses a stunt ramp to perform motorcycle stunts.
- Children use slides in a playground for fun.
- Waterslides are found in water parks for entertainment.
- Old Roman aqueducts incline to facilitate the flow of water.
- Mailboxes are inclined so that the letter slides to the bottom.
- A funnel is inclined so that a liquid can flow smoothly into a flask.
- Houses have slanted roofs so that water and snow do not remain on them.
- Italian physicist Galileo Galilei used an inclined plane to study the motion of objects at a lower acceleration than the acceleration due to gravity.
- In physics and mathematics, an inclined plane resolves vectors into components parallel and perpendicular to the plane.
Inclined Planes Examples in Everyday Life
- Ramps.
- Stairs.
- Slides.
- Anthills.
- Slanted roofs.
- Escalators.
- Sloping road
- Sloped driveway
- Stunt ramps.
- Waterslide
- Aqueduct
- Mailboxes
- Funnel
- Slanted roof
- Pyramids
- Inclined conveyor belt