How do an inclined plane and a wedge differ?

An inclined plane and a wedge serve distinct purposes and have different characteristics, making the third choice the accurate one. An inclined plane is a flat surface that is tilted at an angle to help raise or lower objects with less effort, basically transforming vertical movement into a more manageable sloped path. It's commonly used in ramps to assist with lifting heavy loads.

On the other hand, a wedge is a modified inclined plane that is designed to focus force into a narrow area, allowing it to lift or split objects. This is often seen in tools like axes or knives, where the wedge's shape helps cut through materials by concentrating force over a smaller surface area.

The contrast in shape and function between the flat nature of the inclined plane and the more focused and pointed design of the wedge emphasizes their differing uses in mechanical applications. This distinction highlights why the option stating they have different forms and functions is correct.