Inclined Plane Vector Problem: Understanding the Use of Trigonometric Functions

  • #1
Ineedhelpwithphysics
42
7
Homework Statement
In picture
Relevant Equations
Cos(x), sin(x), angle addition/subtraction.
I'm not really asking for a solution for this problem I just want to clear up a confusion I have.

Why are they multiplying the weight by the sin and cosine of the 30-degree angle?
Isn't weight not affected by anything since it's constant?

Also is the angle of friction 0 because it's a straight line?

Screenshot 2023-10-20 154330.png

Screenshot 2023-10-20 154407.png
Screenshot 2023-10-20 154348.png
 
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  • #2
Did you post the entire question and solution? It should state that the coordinates chosen are parallel to the ramp (x) and normal to the ramp (y). The use of sin and cos is to find the components of the weight in those directions.
 
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  • #3
haruspex said:
Did you post the entire question and solution? It should state that the coordinates chosen are parallel to the ramp (x) and normal to the ramp (y). The use of sin and cos is to find the components of the weight in those directions.
1697845376188.png

sorry about that
 
  • #4

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