Weight of an object sliding on an incline

AI Thread Summary
To determine the weight of an object sliding on an incline, it's important to understand the correct application of the formulas P = m.g.sin(θ) and P = m.g.cos(θ). The formula using sin(θ) calculates the component of gravitational force acting along the incline, while the one using cos(θ) calculates the normal force acting perpendicular to the incline. This distinction is crucial for analyzing forces on an inclined plane. Additionally, considering the effects of acceleration, such as in an elevator scenario, can further clarify how weight is perceived in different contexts. Understanding these principles will help in accurately solving problems related to objects on inclined planes.
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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