Electric forces and Electric fields question on x and y components

[mattmro]

Homework Statement

please see the pictures!

Homework Equations

F=k(q1)(q2)/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution

okay, I am just curious as to why t cos theta and mg are x components when they are clearly on the y axix!
I thought you used cos for x components and sin for y components

 

[mattmro]

guys I know I am a DA, i barely got by in physics I and I was able to get by without knowing how to do these type of problems, now I can't please help!

 

[mikelepore]

The cosine of theta is the adjacent side of the triangle divided by the hypotenuse. With theta defined to be where it is in this problem, T cos theta is the vertical component of the tension.

 

[cupid.callin]

okay, I am just curious as to why t cos theta and mg are x components when they are clearly on the y axix!
I thought you used cos for x components and sin for y components

Where is it written that they are on X axis ... looks on Y to me
Maybe they took X as Y and Y as X

The cosine of theta is the adjacent side of the triangle divided by the hypotenuse. With theta defined to be where it is in this problem, T cos theta is the vertical component of the tension.

OP's asking why the vertical component is called X component
read question again

 

[mikelepore]

OP's asking why the vertical component is called X component
read question again

I already read the question and the images about ten times before answering. It sounds to me like a teacher may have pounded it into the student's head that x means horizontal and then always take the cos, y means vertical and then always take the sin. I have heard some teachers say that, although it is wrong. The cure for the confusion is to identify the triangle and remember the "sohcahtoa" definitions of sin and cos.