Applied Force on a Ramp

The Applied Force (FA) formula computeForce on a Ramp the absolute value of a downward force base on the acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.80665 m/s²), the mass of the object (m) and the angle of incline (Θ).

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (m) Mass of Object 
• (Θ) Slope angle of Ramp

Applied Force (FA): The calculator returns the force in newtons.  However, this can be automatically converted to other force units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

The formula for the applied force on a ramp is:

  `FA = m *g *sin(Θ)`

where:

• FA = Applied Force on a Ramp
• m = mass of object
• g = acceleration due to gravity
• Θ = angle of the slope of the ramp

Note: the formula above and in this calculator does NOT include the friction of the object on the ramp.

References

• Image is from Light and Matter by B. Crowell Chapter 8.3 - The Force Vector (Creative Commons License)