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Physics is awesome
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Hi I am studying force components on a inclined plane. I understand the concept of breaking vectors into X , Y Components relative to the horizontal plane however what I can't seem to make sense of is how the ratios of a triangle and the main input force being the hypotenuse of the triangle allows you to use the ratios of the triangle to determine net force (normal) and the horizontal force. The way I understand it is a triangle is showing the ratios of distance, and when using it with force vectors we are using the same distance ratios to tell us equivalent force in the directions of components (obviously using the ratio of the hypotenuse which is the input force). I see the sides of a triangle as a measure of a ratio of distance traveled so for it to work for force which is a motionless force makes no sense that this would even work. Please elaborate and explain how the ratios of the sides of a tri angle can equate to the ratios of force, when in math we are taught that the ratios of a triangle represent distance of the sides.