Subject overview
Dynamics
Use the inclined plane calculator to find slope geometry, force components, acceleration and end speed from rest. Include optional kinetic friction for downhill sliding. Static friction and the onset of sliding are not modelled.
01 Inclined Plane
Variables
- mmass
- kgkilogram
- Lplane length
- mmeter
- hheight difference
- mmeter
- vendend speed (start from rest)
- m/smeters per second
- αinclination angle
- radradian (or degrees)
- μₖkinetic friction coefficient
- 1dimensionless
- ggravitational acceleration
- m/s²meters per second squared
Key Formulas
Rigid body on a straight plane, no air resistance or applied forces. Positive direction is downhill. With friction, the body is already sliding downhill; kinetic friction acts uphill. Static friction and the onset of motion are not modelled.
A negative acceleration means a downhill-moving body slows down. It does not predict motion uphill or determine whether a body starts sliding from rest.
Theory reference: OpenStax, University Physics, Friction and the Inclined Plane.
Calculate
Blank μₖ assumes no friction (0). Blank g uses 9.81 m/s². End speed uses v₀ = 0 and constant acceleration along L; with friction it assumes downhill sliding begins. Two of L, h and α determine the third.
Type prefixes directly: 1.5k, 250m or 20u. Results: 3 significant figures.
Rigid body on a straight plane, no air resistance or applied forces. Positive direction is downhill. With friction, the body is already sliding downhill; kinetic friction acts uphill. Static friction and the onset of motion are not modelled.
Schematic preview: the entered angle and friction determine the geometry and force ratios. Force magnitudes appear once the calculation is valid.