Tension from Incline Plane: Only Measured in Horizontal Direction?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the misunderstanding of how tension is measured in relation to an incline plane. Participants clarify that while tension can be analyzed in the horizontal direction, it also has a vertical component that must be considered. The tension can be calculated using the component of force in the x direction, specifically T cos(theta). This highlights the importance of recognizing both dimensions when evaluating forces on an incline. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of tension in both horizontal and vertical contexts.
yougene
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Ok, so in the red box it says that the tension is obtained from the horizontal dimension. This seems very wrong to me. Could someone explain this to me? Isn't there tension in the vertical dimension?


Homework Statement


http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/9276/inclineplanesolution.jpg
 
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Note that the x direction isn't horizontal, but along the slope. Only the known force of gravity
and the tension in the rope have a component in this direction.
 
Thanks for your time.
This is noted. Even with the rotated axis, T still has a vertical component.

What he seems to be implying is that tension is only the horizontal component of force T. This I'm finding hard to digest.
 
yougene said:
Thanks for your time.
This is noted. Even with the rotated axis, T still has a vertical component.

What he seems to be implying is that tension is only the horizontal component of force T. This I'm finding hard to digest.

That isn't what he means. He means you can find the tension if you know the component in the x direction: T cos(theta)
 

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