An inclined plane is a slanted surface used to raise an object. A ramp is an inclined plane. When an object is moved up an inclined plane, less effort is needed than if you were to lift it straight up, but, you must move the object over a greater distance. To elevate a roller coaster, it is much easier to pull it up a ramp than it is to lift it straight up. Dragging over the Jetstar 2 link will open a quicktime video, that demonstrates use of an inclined plane, in a new window. Close the window to return to Sci-ber Text.