Inclined Planes: Simple Machines For Engineers

An inclined plane is a simple machine that reduces input force through the use of a ramp. To push a block up a frictionless hill at constant speed requires a force that is equal in magnitude to mgsintheta or the component of gravity that is parallel to the hill.
When dealing with inclined planes we see mechanical advantage because the input force is reduced as a function of the force down the hill, but the input distance or displacement is increased. The important thing to realize is the output distance and force is based on simply lifting a weight vertically some height h.
Ultimately the work to push a block up a hill fd is equal to the gravitational potential energy gained by lifting the same block an equivalent vertical distance.
Understanding inclined planes is important in physics including AP Physics, as well as engineering including PLTW POE.