What is an inclined plane ? What is the use of an inclined plane ?

An inclined plane is a rigid sloping surface over which heavy loads can be raised or lowered to a certain height or depth. The mechanical advantae of an inclined plane is the ratio of the length of the plank to the vertical height of the load raised. Its value is greater than one. Therefore, an inclined plane acts as a force multiplier. Thus, it can be used to lift heavy loads. Example : If a heavy box needs to be loaded on a lorry, it is far easier to push it over an inclined plane than to lift it up. Steeper the inclined plane, greater will be the effort required to push up the load. Sloping ramps, flyovers, roads on hills and staircases are all examples of inclined planes.