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Instead of using the smooth side of the inclined plane, you can
also use the pointed edges to do other kinds of work. For example, you can use the edge to push things apart. Then, the inclined
plane is a wedge. So, a wedge is actually a kind of inclined plane. An axeblade is a wedge. Think of the edge of the blade.
It's the edge of a smooth slanted surface.The wedge is the active twin of the inclined plane. It does useful work by moving.
In contrast, the inclined plane always remains stationary. This simple machine consists of a pair of inclined planes
set face-to-face, that can sustain relative sliding or rolling motion. By moving one plane relative to the other, a wedge
is capable of building up enormous force in a direction perpendicular to that of the moving wedge.
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