Recent content by smg528

n is the normal force

But for the second problem, it says that the x component is -horizontal F + nsin(theta)=0 and the y component is ncos(theta) - mg=0

Ok, here's two problems with similar pictures, but in the first free body diagram, the angle is below the x-axis and in the second, the angle is above the x-axis. I'm really confused about that. 1. A skier of mass 65 kg glides down a slope at angle = 32. Find the skier's acceleration and the...

But how come sometimes, the angle is above the x-axis with the normal force and other times it's drawn below with gravity even though the picture given looks the same in different problems?

So I'm a little confused about free body diagrams. I understand the concept, but when it comes to drawing, how do you know where the angle goes? I don't know if this is obvious, but physics is not really my cup of tea... Thanks in advance.