INCLINED PLANE

Any smooth plane surface which makes an angle q with the horizontal surface is called an “Inclined plane”.

Where 0⁰ < q < 90⁰ or values of q lies between 0⁰ and 90⁰.

USES OF INCLINED PLANE: -

It is a simple machine and is used to raise heavy loads by applying little effort.

MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE OF INCLINED PLANE: -

In the figure AB is an inclined plane which makes an angle q with the horizontal plane. A load ‘W’ is being raised from A to B by applying an effort ‘P’. If we neglect the force of friction between load and inclined plane

Output = input
Weight x height = effort x distance
W x h = P x L
W × h / P = L
W / P = L / h 
     OR 
W / P = 1/h / L
in right angled DOAB
Sin θ =OB / AB
Sin θ= h / L
[perpendicular/hypotenuse = sin θ] 
therefore 
W/P = 1 / sin θ
but [W / P = M.A.]
      Thus
M.A. = 1/sin θ

This expression shows that mechanical advantage of an inclined plane depends upon the value of sin θ.