Force Relative to the vertical?

[Scorry]

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

 

[berkeman]

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

 

[Scorry]

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.

 

[berkeman]

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?

 

[Scorry]

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.