Playground Slide

simple machines · physics · playground fun

Gravity does the work. When you sit at the top of a slide and let go, gravity pulls you down the smooth surface. The slide makes it easy and fun instead of you having to climb down.

Different slide shapes. Slides can be flat and straight, or curved like a half pipe or tube. The curved and tubular slides help keep you safe by preventing you from rolling off the sides.

Three main materials. Playground slides are made from plastic, metal, or concrete, depending on where they are. Each material is smooth enough to let you glide down quickly and safely.

An inclined plane at work. A slide is one of the six simple machines that make work easier. Instead of jumping down from high up, the angled surface lets you slide down in a controlled way.