Where do you put the angle in force diagrams?

If the angle is measured from the vertical, then it is the y component. In summary, the speaker is struggling with determining which component (x or y) to use when drawing force diagrams for problems involving inclines. They have been told that the component touching the angle is always the x component, but have encountered some problems where this does not seem to be the case. They are seeking guidance on how to correctly draw force diagrams for these types of problems.
  • #1
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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  • #2
if the question says that the incline makes an angle with the horizontal, then that horizontal is the x component.
 

FAQ: Where do you put the angle in force diagrams?

1. How do you determine where to place the angle in a force diagram?

The angle in a force diagram is typically placed at the end of the arrow representing the force. This angle indicates the direction of the force relative to the horizontal axis of the diagram.

2. Can the angle in a force diagram be negative?

No, the angle in a force diagram is always measured relative to the positive direction of the horizontal axis. If a force is in the opposite direction, the angle can be represented as 180 degrees or as a negative angle if using trigonometric functions.

3. How does the angle affect the magnitude of the force in a diagram?

The angle in a force diagram does not affect the magnitude of the force. The length of the arrow represents the magnitude of the force, while the angle represents the direction of the force.

4. Is there a specific convention for placing the angle in a force diagram?

Yes, the angle in a force diagram is typically measured in a counterclockwise direction starting from the positive x-axis. This convention is used to maintain consistency in representing forces in diagrams.

5. What happens if the angle in a force diagram is not drawn accurately?

If the angle in a force diagram is not drawn accurately, it can lead to incorrect calculations and interpretations of the forces. It is important to ensure that the angle is measured correctly to accurately represent the direction of the force.

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