Introduction

An inclined plane is a surface that is not parallel to what would be considered a horizontal surface, such as flat ground. Typically we consider inclined plane problems on the Earth, so objects placed on the plane have an acceleration vector parallel to the plane. When analysing these type of situations it is vital to choose a good coordinate system and that often is one tilted to align with the direction of the motion.

Snakes on a frictionless inclined plane

 

 

Snakes on an inclined plane with friction

 

 

 

 

Text/Videos

OpenStax: The section Normal, Tension, and other examples of forces from chapter 8 of the OpenStax textbook has great discussion about inclined plane and how to decompose vectors with a rotated coordinate axis.

Physics Classroom: Inclined planes

In addition to the textbook above be sure to read the EasyPhysics Inclined Plane with Gravity section which describes decomposed forces on an inclined plane a little differently.

Simulations

A tool to explore inclined planes;

And another one;

Additional Studying/Review

• Here is a fairly long MIT Lecture on Inclined Planes and Friction which is worthwhile to watch given any extra study time you may have.

• This a short video lecture by APlusPhysics on Ramp and Inclines;