Friction on Inclines

Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.

Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.

Objective

I can predict the motion of an object on an inclined plane by analyzing the forces of gravity, friction, and the normal force.

Part 1 of 3

Warm-up video

Flipping Physics · 6:41

We don't generate video — this one is by Flipping Physics on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 3

Practice

7 questions

1

Draw a free body diagram of a block resting on an inclined plane. Label all forces acting on the block.

2

Explain in your own words why the normal force is not always equal to the force of gravity. Give an example using an inclined plane.

Part 3 of 3

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

A 2 kg block rests on an inclined plane. The angle of the incline is 20°, and the coefficient of static friction between the block and the plane is 0.3. Will the block slide down the incline? Show your calculations and explain your reasoning. (Assume g = 9.8 m/s²) A book is placed on an inclined plane. The angle of the incline is 10°. If the force of gravity parallel to the incline is 3 N, and the maximum force of static friction is 2.5 N, will the book slide? Show your calculations and explain your reasoning.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

  • Slides

    Ready to present

We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.

Teaching a group at a different level?

Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.

Adapt This Lesson