The online inclined plane simulations on this page will help you better understand how forces act on an inclined plane and the motion they produce.
An inclined plane is a flat surface that forms an angle with respect to the horizontal. When an object moves along an inclined plane, its motion is defined by three forces: the force of gravity (the weight of the object), the normal force and the force of friction.
Gravity is the force that pulls all objects toward the center of the Earth. Gravity acts on the object in a vertical downward direction. The normal is the force exerted by the surface of the plane on the object and acts perpendicular to the inclined plane. This force is what keeps the object in equilibrium on the inclined plane. Friction is the force that opposes the motion of the object on the surface. On an inclined plane, friction acts in the opposite direction to the motion of the object. The vectorial composition of these forces can be done with the help of trigonometry and will allow to calculate the motion of the object on the inclined plane.
These online inclined plane simulations are a useful tool for understanding the principles governing the action of forces and the resulting motion of an object in an inclined plane.
Forces on an inclined plane
Motion in an inclined plane
Observe the motion of a block as it slides down an inclined plane.
Block in an inclined plane
When we place a block on an inclined plane, depending on the angle and friction, the block can slide or fall sharply.
Disc on an inclined plane
Inclined plane laboratory
AP® Physics 1
AP® Physics 1 – Part 4: Exam Prep
AP® Physics 1: Challenging Concepts
AP® Physics 2: Challenging Concepts
Mechanics, Part 2
Mechanics, Part 1
Dynamics and Control
