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
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Attachments

  • ramp.JPG
    ramp.JPG
    16.6 KB · Views: 438
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:-)
 
Thread 'Struggling to make relation between elastic force and height'
Hello guys this is what I tried so far. I used the UTS to calculate the force it needs when the rope tears. My idea was to make a relationship/ function that would give me the force depending on height. Yeah i couldnt find a way to solve it. I also thought about how I could use hooks law (how it was given to me in my script) with the thought of instead of having two part of a rope id have one singular rope from the middle to the top where I could find the difference in height. But the...
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'
TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
Back
Top