Where do you put the angle in force diagrams?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the correct placement of angles in force diagrams, particularly in scenarios involving inclined planes, such as a truck on a 30-degree incline. It is established that when an incline is described as making an angle with the horizontal, the horizontal direction corresponds to the x-component. The confusion arises from varying interpretations of which component the angle touches, but the consensus is that the x-component is always aligned with the horizontal in these cases.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically force diagrams.
  • Familiarity with vector components in physics.
  • Knowledge of inclined planes and their effects on forces.
  • Basic proficiency in drawing and interpreting free-body diagrams.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of vector decomposition in physics.
  • Learn how to construct free-body diagrams for various scenarios.
  • Explore the equations of motion for objects on inclined planes.
  • Review the concept of kinetic friction and its role in force diagrams.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics courses, particularly those studying mechanics, as well as educators teaching force analysis and vector components in physics.

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

 
Physics news on Phys.org
if the question says that the incline makes an angle with the horizontal, then that horizontal is the x component.
 

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