Inclined plane

Definition

An inclined plane is a flat surface tilted at an angle to the horizontal. It is used to facilitate raising or lowering a load with less effort.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The mechanical advantage of an inclined plane is given by the ratio of the length of the slope to the vertical height: $MA = \frac{L}{h}$.
2. The normal force on an object on an inclined plane is reduced compared to when it is on a flat surface and is equal to $N = mg \cos(\theta)$, where $\theta$ is the angle of inclination.
3. The frictional force acting on an object on an inclined plane can be calculated using $f = \mu N$, where $\mu$ is the coefficient of friction.
4. In analyzing motion on an inclined plane, gravitational force can be split into components parallel and perpendicular to the plane's surface: $F_{parallel} = mg \sin(\theta)$ and $F_{perpendicular} = mg \cos(\theta)$.
5. Inclined planes are often used in problems involving static equilibrium, where forces must balance, as well as in dynamic cases where objects are accelerating.

Review Questions

• How does the angle of inclination affect the normal force on an object?
• What components of gravitational force act parallel and perpendicular to an inclined plane?
• How do you calculate the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane?

Related terms

Normal Force: The component of contact force perpendicular to a surface that prevents objects from passing through each other.

Coefficient of Friction: A dimensionless scalar value that represents the frictional resistance between two surfaces.

Gravitational Force: The attractive force exerted by Earth (or another massive body) pulling objects toward its center.