Inclined Plane Lab
Explore a block on a slope with gravity components and optional friction.
Explore the lab
What you can explore
- Gravity decomposition
Change slope angle and inspect parallel gravity, perpendicular gravity and normal force.
- Friction and rest
Toggle friction and vary μ to compare sliding acceleration with the simplified no-motion threshold.
- Motion along the slope
Set initial velocity and inspect displacement, velocity and force vectors through the timeline.
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The model
Formula and underlying model
F∥ = mg sin(θ); N = mg cos(θ)
a = g sin(θ) (frictionless); a = g(sin(θ) − μ cos(θ)) (sliding downhill)- m
- Block mass (kg)
- g
- Gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
- θ
- Plane angle; entered in degrees (radians in formula)
- μ
- Friction coefficient (dimensionless)
- F∥, N
- Downhill gravity component and normal force (N)
- a
- Acceleration along the plane (m/s²)
The sliding expression applies to downhill motion. At rest, friction balances downhill gravity up to μN; the lab uses the same μ for a simplified static threshold and kinetic friction.
The experiment
How it works
Set the slope
Choose angle, mass, gravity and initial velocity.
Choose friction
Enable μ to compare gravity with available friction.
Inspect motion and forces
Use playback and vector toggles to relate net force to acceleration.
Learning outcomes
What you’ll learn
- Resolve gravity into parallel and perpendicular components.
- Connect normal force to friction capacity.
- Distinguish sliding friction from the simplified static case.
Keep exploring
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Explore lab →Ready to experiment?
Explore Inclined Plane interactively
Open the lab, adjust the parameters, and see the results change in real time.