Finding component weight and angle measurements

[brettmahnke0]

Now I know you can't outright give me the answer to this question but some useful tips would be appreciated as this is my first time taking physics. Thank you.


A boulder of weight w rests on a hillside that rises at a constant angle x above the horizontal. Its weight is a force on the boulder that has direction vertically downward. In terms of w and x , what is the component of the weight of the boulder in the direction parallel to the surface of the hill? What is the component of the weight in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the hill? Express your answers in terms of w and x.

 

[jbsteele]

Answer: The component of the weight of the boulder in the direction parallel to the surface of the hill is w*cos(x). The component of the weight in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the hill is w*sin(x).

 

[kerimek]

I cannot provide you with the direct answer to this question. However, I can provide you with some useful tips to help you find the component weight and angle measurements.

Firstly, it is important to understand the concept of components in physics. Components refer to the parts of a vector that act in different directions. In this case, the weight of the boulder is a vector that can be broken down into two components - one parallel to the surface of the hill and one perpendicular to the surface.

To find the component of the weight parallel to the surface of the hill, you will need to use trigonometry. The weight of the boulder (w) can be represented as the hypotenuse of a right triangle, with the angle x being the angle between the weight and the surface of the hill. The adjacent side of this triangle represents the component of the weight parallel to the surface, which can be found using the formula cos x = adjacent/hypotenuse. Rearranging this formula, you can solve for the adjacent side, which will give you the component of the weight parallel to the surface in terms of w and x.

Similarly, to find the component of the weight perpendicular to the surface, you can use the formula sin x = opposite/hypotenuse. The opposite side in this case represents the component of the weight perpendicular to the surface, which can be solved for using the formula.

It is also important to remember that weight is a force, and therefore it is measured in Newtons (N). So, once you have found the components of the weight in terms of w and x, you will need to convert them to Newtons using the appropriate formula.

Lastly, as this is your first time taking physics, I would highly recommend practicing these types of problems and seeking help from your teacher or classmates if you are still having trouble. Good luck!