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 incline refers to a sloping surface or ramp that is higher at one end than the other. It is commonly used to describe an angled surface along which objects can move.
The force that attracts objects towards each other, specifically towards the center of mass. On an incline, gravity pulls objects downwards.
Angle of inclination: The measure of how steeply an incline is angled in relation to the horizontal plane.
Normal force: The perpendicular force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it. On an inclined plane, this force acts perpendicular to the plane's surface.