Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An inclined plane is a flat surface that is at an angle with respect to the horizontal ground. It allows objects to move up or down using less force compared to lifting them straight up vertically.
Related terms
Force of Gravity: The downward pull experienced by objects near Earth's surface due to gravity. It is responsible for the weight of objects and can affect their motion on inclined planes.
The force that opposes the motion or attempted motion between two surfaces in contact. On an inclined plane, friction can either aid or hinder the object's movement depending on its direction and magnitude.
Angle of Inclination: The angle between the inclined plane and a horizontal line. It determines how steep or shallow the incline is and affects both the gravitational force component along the slope and the amount of effort required to move objects up or down.