Facts About Ramps That You Can Roll Balls Down

A ramp is an example of an inclined plane. An inclined plane is any sloping surface used to reduce the force necessary to raise a load, including a ball. A spherical ball moves down a ramp with less friction than a human being. The ball is also less limited because it can roll down steeply sloped ramps, or even curved ramps.
  1. Inclined Planes

    • A sloped ramp is an inclined plane, a parallel plane lifted at one end to create a slope. A ball rolled from the top of the ramp will move faster along the inclined plane then it would on a flat surface because the ball's mass is pulled by gravity toward the lowest possible surface.

    Ramp Surface

    • A ball's spherical shape and smooth exterior give it enough dexterity to roll down any type of surface. But the cracks, bumps and holes in a ramp will slow the ball's speed. If these disturbances are large enough, they could stop the movement of the ball. Friction is also increased or decreased by the type of material used to construct the ramp. Asphalt, for example, will offer more friction than a smooth sheet of plastic.

    Curved Ramps

    • Unlike an object with a square or rectangular shape, a ball will follow the curve of ramp, as long as the curve tilts in the right direction. Curves can move to the right or left. In either case, the ramp must tilt inward, toward the concave portion of the curve, for the ball to follow. The ball must also be rolled or thrown with enough force to maintain enough velocity to follow the curve.

    Distance and Speed

    • When a ball is rolled down a ramp, its velocity will increase. This increase in velocity will cause the ball to travel farther as long as it does not meet an obstacle along the way. The exact increase in velocity and distance depends upon the severity of the slope in the ramp. For example, a ramp with a 45 degree angle will propel a ball faster than a ramp with a 10 degree angle.

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