Drawing FBD & Splitting Force Components - Quick Tips!

AI Thread Summary
When drawing a Free Body Diagram (FBD) for a block on an incline, the angle theta typically represents the incline's angle with the horizontal. To split forces into x and y components, it's essential to apply basic trigonometry correctly, ensuring that the angle is positioned appropriately in relation to the forces involved. Some users find it challenging to apply trigonometric principles consistently across different scenarios. Understanding the relationship between the incline angle and the direction of the forces is crucial for accurate component analysis. Mastering these concepts can enhance the accuracy of force calculations in physics problems.
AirForceOne
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Hi,

When drawing the FBD (ex. block on incline), and when you split a force into x and y components, where do you put theta when giving the angle of let's say, the incline? Is there a trick to this? I generally know where to put it (basic trig), but for some reason I can't use trig for some other forces.
 
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Theta (or whatever you're calling the angle) would most likely be the angle the incline makes with the horizontal.
 
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