Explore the Inclined Plane Simulator
Drag the block and tilt the ramp yourself, flick it, and watch forces, speed and energy update live. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Inclined Plane Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Inclined Plane Simulator?
Drag the block and tilt the ramp yourself, flick it, and watch forces, speed and energy update live. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Ramps, wheelchair access, loading docks, roads and roller coasters all use inclined-plane physics. Engineers choose slopes so vehicles and people can move safely.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Weight splits into mg sin θ along the ramp and mg cos θ into it.
The block slides once tan θ is greater than the static friction coefficient.
Acceleration while sliding is g (sin θ − μk cos θ).
Press Ice, then Rubber. Which surface lets the block slide at 20 degrees?
Drag the glowing end of the ramp until the block just starts to slide, then compare the angle with arctan(mu s).
Grab the block, flick it up the slope, and watch friction bring it back down.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Physics learners
Physics students in middle school, high school and first-year university, teachers who want a quick demonstration for the projector, and anyone revising for exams.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Inclined Plane Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Drag the glowing end of the ramp until the block just starts to slide, then compare the angle with arctan(mu s). For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
At what angle does a block start to slide?
When tan θ = μs, so the critical angle is arctan(μs). Steeper than that and static friction can no longer hold the block.
Why is the normal force smaller on a steeper ramp?
Only the component of weight perpendicular to the surface, mg cos θ, is pushed into the ramp, and it shrinks as the angle grows.
Is the Inclined Plane Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Inclined Plane Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Physics group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Inclined Plane Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Inclined Plane Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 5 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Inclined Plane Simulator?
1. In the Inclined Plane Simulator, use the controls to change Ramp angle, Mass, Surface, Static friction μs, Kinetic friction μk. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Inclined Plane Simulator, pick an option such as Ice, Smooth wood, Rough wood, Rubber to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Inclined Plane Simulator, press "Release from top", "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Press Ice, then Rubber. Which surface lets the block slide at 20 degrees?. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Inclined Plane Simulator responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Weight splits into mg sin θ along the ramp and mg cos θ into it.
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Try the Inclined Plane Simulator now
Drag the block and tilt the ramp yourself, flick it, and watch forces, speed and energy. Free to use.
Try it free