Inclined Planes

An inclined plane is a fancy name for a ramp. It is a flat surface with one end higher than the other. Ramps make it easier to move heavy things up to a higher place. You push or pull the object along the ramp instead of lifting it straight up.

Why Ramps Help

Lifting something straight up takes a lot of strength. A ramp lets you move the object a longer distance, but with less force. The gentler the slope, the easier it is to push things up. A steep ramp is harder than a flat one. Ramps trade distance for strength.

Ramps Everywhere

Inclined planes are all around us. Sidewalk ramps help people in wheelchairs get up to buildings. Slides at the playground are ramps that let kids slide down. Trucks use ramps to load and unload heavy boxes. Even the roads that go up a mountain are inclined planes.

Fun Facts

• The ancient Egyptians may have used huge ramps to build the pyramids.
• A skateboard ramp is an inclined plane for doing tricks.
• Stairs are a kind of inclined plane broken into steps.

Did You Know?

The longer a ramp is for the same height, the less force you need to push something up it.