The discussion centers on the deceleration of rocks sliding up a hill, focusing on the role of trigonometric functions cosθ and sinθ in resolving acceleration components. Participants emphasize the importance of drawing a Free Body Diagram (FBD) to visualize forces acting against the uphill motion. A consensus emerges that the provided answer contains a sign error due to the ambiguity in defining the positive direction of acceleration. Clarity on terminology, such as the distinction between "base" and "top" of the hill, is also highlighted as crucial for understanding the problem.
PREREQUISITESStudents studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and forces, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts related to motion and acceleration.
Yes. Do as they suggest and draw a FBD. That will help you to resolve the components.jamiebean said:
Unless by "base" they mean the top of the hill? That would usually be referred to as the "top" or "crest" of the hill, not the "base", IMO... Is there a diagram that goes with this problem?berkeman said:
One one hand, the question does not specify whether the positive direction is uphill or downhill so the number for the acceleration can have either sign. On the other hand, the question may have adopted the convention that "positive" means "in the direction of the velocity" which means the number must be negative. The question would have no ambiguity if it asked for the magnitude or if it specified which way is positive.berkeman said: