Force Relative to the vertical?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the trigonometric relationships of sine and cosine in the context of a force vector and its angle relative to the vertical and horizontal axes. Participants are exploring the definitions and implications of these relationships, particularly in a physics context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about why cosine is associated with the vertical component and sine with the horizontal component in the given example.
  • One participant points out that the designation of angle theta relative to the vertical axis is crucial, suggesting that if theta were defined relative to the horizontal axis, the roles of sine and cosine would be reversed.
  • Another participant acknowledges their lack of recent experience with trigonometry, indicating a need for clarification on these concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of the angle's definition in determining the relationships between sine, cosine, and the components of the force vector, but there is no consensus on the clarity of these concepts for all participants.

Contextual Notes

Some participants may have missing assumptions regarding their understanding of trigonometric functions and their application in physics, which could affect their interpretations.

Scorry
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Can you explain why cosine theta is vertical, and sin theta is horizontal on this example? I am confused.
 
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Scorry said:
Can you explain why cosine theta is vertical, and sin theta is horizontal on this example? I am confused.

Link?

Does it look like this?

https://www.cdli.ca/sampleResources/physics3204/unit01_org02_ilo03/u01-s02-ls03-lessonfig07.gif
u01-s02-ls03-lessonfig07.gif
 
Thanks. I attached a photo, but it's not showing up. Your example is what we're covering next, I haven't gotten there yet.
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
 
It's because of which angle theta they are using (they show theta between the force vector and the vertical axis). If they defined/chose theta to be between the force vector and the horizontal axis, that would switch the sin() and cos() terms, right?
 
berkeman said:
It's because of which angle theta they are using (they show theta between the force vector and the vertical axis). If they defined/chose theta to be between the force vector and the horizontal axis, that would switch the sin() and cos() terms, right?
Thanks man, it makes a little more sense. I haven't taken trig in a few years.
 
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