Why does a=g*sin(theta) on an inclined plane

1. Nov 13, 2013

Jow

I understand the derivation that on an inclined plane of angle θ, the acceleration of the object on the plane, parallel to the plane, is a=g*sinθ. However, I was just thinking about it, and should it not be a=g/sinθ ?

I got this because sinθ = g/a. θ is the angle between the ramp and the earth, g is the acceleration straight downwards (the opposite side from θ) and a is the hypotenuse of the triangle.
Rearranging, a=g/sinθ.

I feel like something must be wrong, but I can't see what it is.

2. Nov 13, 2013

Staff: Mentor

When g is resolved into components, it represents the hypotenuse of the triangle.

3. Nov 14, 2013

TysonM8

The problem is the two formulas you have created (a=g/sinx and a=gsinx), use different angles. The first formula you created uses the angle between the ramp and the earth. The second one uses the angle between the vertical axis and the direction of acceleration. So both formulas are correct but they should be written as a=g/sinx and a=gsiny where y=90-x

4. Nov 14, 2013

Staff: Mentor

This is clearly incorrect. If you substitute y = 90-x into the second equation, you get a=g cosx. The acceleration cannot simultaneously be equal to g/sinx and gcos x, since cosx≠1/sinx. In fact, both these equations are wrong. The acceleration (in the absence of friction) is a=gsinx.

Chet

5. Nov 14, 2013

nasu

g is not opposite to the angle theta.
It may be that you are mixing triangles. The triangle made by the components of the accelerations with the triangle made by the inclined planer itself.
Draw a diagram of the forces (or accelerations) and you will see.

6. Nov 14, 2013

srijag

7. Nov 14, 2013

Staff: Mentor

Here's a trick: Whenever a vector is resolved into orthogonal components, the vector is always the hypotenuse of the triangle.