Final answer:
A wedge differs from an inclined plane in that it consists of two back-to-back inclined planes and is used in motion to exert lateral force. Inclined planes, such as ramps, lessen the force needed to lift objects by allowing them to be rolled or slid up the plane. Wedges are effective at compounding force, while inclined planes facilitate movement along their surfaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences Between Wedge and Inclined Plane
Understanding the difference between a wedge and an inclined plane is important in physics. A wedge is a type of simple machine that consists of two back-to-back inclined planes. This design allows a wedge to be used in motion, splitting or cutting materials apart by exerting a force lateral to the wedge's motion when it is driven into an object. Common examples of wedges include knives and axe heads. An inclined plane, on the other hand, is a flat surface set at an angle against a horizontal surface. It facilitates lifting or moving objects by rolling or sliding them up the plane, thereby reducing the effort needed as opposed to lifting them vertically. Inclined planes, like ramps, have a larger area of contact and a shorter effort arm, which is why pushing a cart up a ramp requires less force than lifting it straight up. Historical examples include their use in constructing the Egyptian pyramids. When comparing the mechanical advantage of these simple machines, an inclined plane's mechanical advantage is the ratio of its length to its height, while the mechanical advantage of a wedge is determined by the ratio of its length to its thickness, making it effective at compounding force.