We investigate the ‘last’ of the simple machines – the ramp or inclined plane. Wikipedia states that “It wasn’t until the Renaissance that the inclined plane was classed with the other simple machines”. This machine enables us to lift a heavy load by lessening the force required and increasing the distance over which we have to move it to achieve the same height as a vertical lift. Think of a winding road/path up a hill-side or the steps up to an aeroplane door (at least at Inverness  and Isle of Man airports). You have to walk further but its easier than climbing straight up!

The inclined plane

Inclined plane and pulley wheel lifting a load more easily on an angle than vertically up

Inclined plane and pulley wheel lifting a load more easily on an angle than vertically up

And lets check that outside using the force gauge:

Force of 20 Newtons required for a shallow angle

And nearly 30 Newtons for the same load at a steeper angle