Simple Machines

An incline plane is a ramp, but usually it is used to move objects upward.  Incline planes make it so that less force and a greater distance moves an object to its destination.  The benefit is that less force is required.  The trade-off for less force is a greater distance.  The mechanical advantage of an incline plane is output force divided by input force.  The other MA formula that is specififc to incline planes is the ramp length divided by the ramp height. 

 

Incline planes are found everywhere.  When loading trucks, many people use incline planes to reduce the amount of force they would need to exert.  In many public areas there are incline planes put in place for wheelchairs.  These make it so that the wheelchair would not have to go over the next step, but can simple roll on up to their destination.