Where do you put the angle in force diagrams?

AI Thread Summary
In force diagrams involving inclined planes, the angle of the incline is typically measured from the horizontal, making the horizontal direction the x-component and the vertical direction the y-component. When analyzing forces, the component of the force parallel to the incline corresponds to the x-axis, while the component perpendicular to the incline corresponds to the y-axis. It's essential to correctly identify the orientation of the angle to avoid confusion in calculations. Understanding this relationship helps in accurately drawing force diagrams and solving problems involving inclined planes. Properly visualizing the angle's placement ensures clarity in determining force components.
ewolf335
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Homework Statement



Ok, so I'm in college now. However, I'm having the same problem i did when I was in high school. When your doing a problem that has let's say a truck on a 30 degree incline, how do you decide whether that angle will be touching the y component of the angle or the x? The reason I ask is because I was told the component touching the angle is always the x component, but in some problems that doesn't appear to be true, so I don't know how to draw my own force diagrams without mixing up the two.



Homework Equations


equation for force of kinetic friction


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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if the question says that the incline makes an angle with the horizontal, then that horizontal is the x component.
 

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