inclined plane

inclined plane
1. one of the simple machines, a plane surface inclined to the horizon, or forming with a horizontal plane any angle but a right angle. Cf. machine (def. 4b).
2. incline (def. 11a).
[1700-10]

* * *

 simple machine consisting of a sloping surface, used for raising heavy bodies. The force required to move an object up the incline is less than the weight being raised, discounting friction. The steeper the slope, or incline, the more nearly the required force approaches the actual weight. Expressed mathematically, the force F required to move a block D up an inclined plane without friction is equal to its weight W times the sine of the angle the inclined plane makes with the horizontal. Referring to the Figure—>, F = W sin θ.

      The principle of the inclined plane is used widely—for example, in screws and bolts, where a small force acting along a slope can produce a much larger force.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Inclined plane — Inclined In*clined , p. p. & a. 1. Having a leaning or tendency towards, or away from, a thing; disposed or moved by wish, desire, or judgment; as, a man inclined to virtue. Each pensively inclined. Cowper. [1913 Webster] 2. (Math.) Making an… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • inclined plane — inclined′ plane′ n. mac one of the simple machines, a plane surface inclined to the horizon, or forming with a horizontal plane any angle but a right angle • Etymology: 1700–10 …   From formal English to slang

  • inclined plane — ► NOUN ▪ a plane inclined at an angle to the horizontal, especially as a means of reducing the force needed to raise a load …   English terms dictionary

  • inclined plane — n. a plane surface set at any angle other than a right angle against a horizontal surface: it is a simple machine that increases mechanical advantage but requires a longer working distance: See picture in next column …   English World dictionary

  • Inclined plane — This article deals with the physical structure. For related terms, see canal inclined plane, cable railway, funicular, or fixed wing aircraft (airplane). , but the inclined plane allows the same work to be done with a smaller force exerted over a …   Wikipedia

  • inclined plane — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms inclined plane : singular inclined plane plural inclined planes physics a flat surface that forms a slope, making an angle of less than 90 degrees with a horizontal surface …   English dictionary

  • inclined plane — nuožulnioji plokštuma statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: angl. inclined plane vok. geneigte Ebene, f; schiefe Ebene, f rus. наклонная плоскость, f pranc. plan incliné, m …   Fizikos terminų žodynas

  • Inclined Plane Bridge — 40.325972222222 78.925555555556 Koordinaten: 40° 19′ 33,5″ N, 78° 55′ 32″ W f1 …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • inclined-plane pendulum — pasviroji švytuoklė statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: angl. inclined pendulum; inclined plane pendulum vok. geneigtes Pendel, n; schräges Pendel, n rus. наклонный маятник, m pranc. pendule incliné, m …   Fizikos terminų žodynas

  • inclined plane — /ɪnklaɪnd ˈpleɪn/ (say inkluynd playn) noun a plane surface inclined to the horizontal, or forming with a horizontal plane any angle but a right angle …  

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”