Why is the angle 60 degrees and not 30 degrees in this Newton's laws problem?

[Lori]

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

F = ma
[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution

Why is the angle 60 degrees? Isn't it 30 degrees? [/B]

 

[NFuller]

Why is the angle 60 degrees? Isn't it 30 degrees?

Because the angle is being measured from the y-axis rather than the x-axis. The angle to the x-axis is $30^{\circ}$ and the angle to the y-axis is $60^{\circ}$.

 

[Lori]

Ahhhh nevermind, i think they used the 30 degrees as the angle of the force from top left... Man. these problems are very unclear .

 

[CWatters]

i think they used the 30 degrees as the angle of the force from top left... Man. these problems are very unclear .

No it's clear. The 30 degree angle on the drawing is in the correct place. P is at 30 degrees to the horizontal axis.

The vertical component of P is PCos60 or PSin30 as these are same thing.

The horizontal component of P is PSin60 or PCos30 as these are the same thing.

 

[CWatters]

Sorry if that was confusing, I agree with your solution.

 

[Lori]

Sorry if that was confusing, I agree with your solution.

No it's fine! Thanks for helping me out. I'm trying to prepare for my physics exam as much as I can! I think I really learned a lot from you guys :)