Inclined plane is a structure used to raise heavy loads with relatively small forces. One example is a ramp. Pushing a load up a ramp requires less force than lifting the load. However, the load must be pushed farther. Suppose the load is being lifted to a platform 31/2 feet high. The ramp is 14 feet long, and the load is a 200-pound barrel. The work required to lift the barrel equals load times height, or 200 X 31/2. Thus, lifting requires 700 foot-pounds of work. But if the load is rolled up the ramp, the force required is:
Using the inclined plane reduces the force. But the amount of work done remains 700 foot-pounds (50 X 14). The inclined plane is one of the six simple machines. See Machine (Six simple machines).
