While a wedge and an inclined plane are not the same things, a wedge is a type of inclined plane. However, not all inclined planes are considered to be wedges.
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A ramp and inclined plane are sort of the same in a
Yes
Like any simple machine, it spreads the work over a greater distance. For example, if you want to raise a load five feet, by using a 30° inclined plane, you spread the same work over ten feet, so only half as much force is needed.
The reason that inclined planes allow us to reduce the force necessary to move items is because the work required to do both (Work = Force x Distance) is the same. When pushing up an inclined plane, the pusher only has to counteract the component of gravity that wants to slide the object back down the plane, instead of fighting against the entire force of gravity. Using an inclined plane decreases the force necessary to accomplish the task but increases the distance required for force against the vertical component. (An angled plane shortens the distance of travel overall).
An inclined plane allows an object to be lifted through a vertical distance using less force than is required to lift the object straight up. The shallower the angle of the inclined plane, the less force is required to raise the object. The inclined plane is a very simple machine that offers a mechanical advantage. Although the force needed to raise the object is reduced, the force needs to move through a longer distance. Therefore, it takes the same amount of energy to raise the object . In fact, as there is always an amount of friction, it will actually take more energy to lift that simply lifting it straight up. The most common example of an inclined plane is a ramp used to raise vehicles to a higher level.