Activity Overview
In this lesson, students explore an inclined plane as an example of a simple machine.
Objectives
- Describe an inclined plane as a simple machine
- Calculate the mechanical advantage of different inclined planes
- Use the formula for applied force on an inclined plane
Vocabulary
- acceleration due to gravity
- inclined plane
- mass
- simple machine
- work
About the Lesson
In this simulation, students explore an inclined plane as an example of a simple machine. Because of its mechanical advantage the force required to push an object up a ramp is easier than lifting it straight up, even though the overall amount of energy required is the same.