Understanding the Relationship between Mass and Weight in Mechanics

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the relationship between mass and weight in mechanics, specifically addressing a problem involving trigonometric functions and their application in physics. Participants are exploring the definitions and distinctions between mass and weight, as well as the appropriate units for measurement in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the relationship between mass and weight, questioning how to determine when to use each term based on problem wording. There are also discussions about the correct units for measurement in physics, with some participants sharing their experiences and mistakes in understanding the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants expressing confusion about specific aspects of the problem while others provide guidance on using SI units. There is a recognition of the need for clarity in the original question, and some participants have identified their own errors in reasoning.

Contextual Notes

Participants are encouraged to follow posting guidelines for clearer communication. There is an emphasis on using SI units consistently, and the distinction between mass and weight is being explored in the context of physics problems.

myusernameis
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so u = -cos(t) + sqrt(3)sin(t)

so the Wo = 1, and R =2, but how do i find delta?

tan(del) = sqrt(3)/-1, but the answer has it as

u = 2cos(t-2pi/3)

i can't get the 2pi/3 no matter what i do...

thanks
 
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If you follow the posting guidelines I think it will be easier for someone to answer you. The question doesn't seem to be very clear.
 
acutally, i found my mistake!
 
Gregg said:
If you follow the posting guidelines I think it will be easier for someone to answer you. The question doesn't seem to be very clear.

um one more question, what should be the unit for metric?

should i do it in kg, m, seconds, always?

thanks
 
myusernameis said:
um one more question, what should be the unit for metric?

should i do it in kg, m, seconds, always?

thanks

yeah always use SI units
 
Gregg said:
yeah always use SI units
haha

ok, ONE LAST QUESTION (of this thread)..

how do i know when it's "weight" or "mass"? is it in the wordings of the problem?

thanks
 
myusernameis said:
haha

ok, ONE LAST QUESTION (of this thread)..

how do i know when it's "weight" or "mass"? is it in the wordings of the problem?

thanks

Weight is a vector, a force. You can see that the dimensions of a force would be kg m/s^2 or Newtons. Mass is a scalar quantity and will be measured, if in SI units, in kg only.

F=MA

Weight = mg

where m is mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity
 
Gregg said:
Weight is a vector, a force. You can see that the dimensions of a force would be kg m/s^2 or Newtons. Mass is a scalar quantity and will be measured, if in SI units, in kg only.

F=MA

Weight = mg

where m is mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity


thanks!
 

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