Is this a mistake on the answer key? (Newton's Laws)

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to Newton's Laws, specifically focusing on the angles involved in a force diagram. Participants are questioning the interpretation of angles in relation to the axes in the context of a physics problem.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the correct angle measurement in a force diagram, with some questioning whether the angle should be 60 degrees or 30 degrees. There is discussion about the reference axis from which the angle is measured.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the angle measurements, indicating that the angle is measured from the y-axis. There is acknowledgment of confusion, but also agreement on the placement of the angles in the diagram.

Contextual Notes

Participants express frustration over the clarity of the problem, suggesting that the presentation of the angles may lead to misunderstandings. There is a mention of preparing for an upcoming physics exam, indicating a context of study and review.

Lori

Homework Statement



upload_2017-11-5_18-2-21.png

Homework Equations



F = ma
[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution



Why is the angle 60 degrees? Isn't it 30 degrees? [/B]
 

Attachments

  • upload_2017-11-5_18-2-21.png
    upload_2017-11-5_18-2-21.png
    24.5 KB · Views: 1,308
Physics news on Phys.org
Lori said:
Why is the angle 60 degrees? Isn't it 30 degrees?
Because the angle is being measured from the y-axis rather than the x-axis. The angle to the x-axis is ##30^{\circ}## and the angle to the y-axis is ##60^{\circ}##.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: CWatters and Lori
Ahhhh nevermind, i think they used the 30 degrees as the angle of the force from top left... Man. these problems are very unclear .
 
Lori said:
i think they used the 30 degrees as the angle of the force from top left... Man. these problems are very unclear .

No it's clear. The 30 degree angle on the drawing is in the correct place. P is at 30 degrees to the horizontal axis.

The vertical component of P is PCos60 or PSin30 as these are same thing.

The horizontal component of P is PSin60 or PCos30 as these are the same thing.
 

Attachments

  • upload_2017-11-5_18-2-21.png
    upload_2017-11-5_18-2-21.png
    5.3 KB · Views: 587
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Lori
Sorry if that was confusing, I agree with your solution.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Lori
CWatters said:
Sorry if that was confusing, I agree with your solution.
No it's fine! Thanks for helping me out. I'm trying to prepare for my physics exam as much as I can! I think I really learned a lot from you guys :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
6K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K