What Is the Function of an Inclined Plane?

A slide is a common example of an inclined plane.

Though perhaps the simplest of all machines, the inclined plane has proved an invaluable tool across the ages. It is used in vast numbers of more complex machines, and has made some of the most amazing feats of human construction possible.

History

The inclined plane is one of six simple machines of antiquity. Inclined planes were used to lift bricks during the building of the Great Pyramids, to power ancient water wheels and even to facilitate ancient military sieges.

Definition

An inclined plane is any stationary flat surface whose ends are at different heights, so that it rests at an angle.

Function

Inclined planes reduce the amount of force needed to move objects vertically, making hauling, loading and moving objects easier.

Examples

Obvious examples of inclined planes include ramps and slides. Others that are not so obvious include airplane wings, windmill blades and screws, which are inclined planes wrapped around cylinders.

Considerations

Although less force is required to move an object across an inclined plane, the object has to travel a greater distance. Therefore, the work required to move an object stays the same, no matter how it is moved.

References

• New World Encyclopedia: Inclined Plane
• Absolute Astronomy: Inclined Plane
• Book Rags: World of Invention: Inclined Planes