Weight of an object sliding on an incline

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the weight of an object sliding on an inclined plane using two formulas: P = m.g.sin(θ) and P = m.g.cos(θ). The correct application of these formulas involves understanding that P = m.g.sin(θ) represents the force acting along the incline, while P = m.g.cos(θ) represents the normal force acting perpendicular to the incline. The distinction between these two components is crucial for accurately determining the forces at play on an inclined surface.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically forces and motion.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, particularly sine and cosine.
  • Knowledge of Newton's laws of motion.
  • Ability to interpret free-body diagrams.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of forces on inclined planes in classical mechanics.
  • Learn about free-body diagrams and how to apply them to various physical scenarios.
  • Explore the effects of acceleration on weight measurement in non-inertial frames.
  • Investigate applications of inclined planes in real-world engineering problems.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and engineers involved in design and analysis of systems involving inclined surfaces.

Ekleziastike
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First I would like to appologize for my english, I'm from belgium and I don't often use it to speak about physics.
Second, I don't know if I'm in the good thread to speak about that.

Ok, I need a little help,

I have a problem where an object slidind on a incline plan.

I would like to know its weight but i 've found 2 formules(?)

P= m.g.sin θ
and
P= m.g.cos θ

Could you explain me how use them in the right way ?

Thanks
 
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Ekleziastike said:
First I would like to appologize for my english, I'm from belgium and I don't often use it to speak about physics.
Second, I don't know if I'm in the good thread to speak about that.

Ok, I need a little help,

I have a problem where an object slidind on a incline plan.

I would like to know its weight but i 've found 2 formules(?)

P= m.g.sin θ
and
P= m.g.cos θ

Could you explain me how use them in the right way ?

Thanks

Take a look at this ramp I drew. It shows how you can use the angle that the ramp makes with the flat floor to break the force of gravity into two components: the force normal to the ramp's angled surface and the force along the angle of the ramp.
F_x = mgsin(\theta)
F_y = mgcos(\theta)
Notice that the "x" component (along the angled ramp) uses a sin instead of cos. And the opposite is true for the "y" component (normal to the angled surface). These two equations are found through the definition of a cosine and sine of an angle, using the triangle I drew.
 

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Think of simpler example first.
If you're in an elevator on a scale and the elevator is accelerating downward let say x m/s^2, what is your weight as shown by the scale .

In inclined plane too, find what is the downward acceleration.
 
Thank you very much:-)
 

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