mg cos theta in context of incline plane

lundi 31 mars 2014

For a mass on an incline plane, is the downward force mg cos Θ or -mg cos Θ?

I'm inclined to state there should be a negative but from my lectures, the negative does not appear to be stipulated. I was wondering if it's was a mistake by the lecturer.



mg cos Θ + FN = 0

mg cos Θ = -FN



the downward force must be of equal magnitude to the normal force-but opposite direction.

This makes sense mathematically.



However, geometrically, it does make sense for the down ward force to be -mg cos Θ.



Could someone clarify?





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