mechanix: how do u know which way to resolve forces? (1 Viewer)

[Porcia]

or does it matter?

like is

Tcos@+mv^2/r = Rsin@

the same thing as

Tcos@ = Rsin@+mv^2/r

if not - how would one know which way the resolution goes

 

[Affinity]

you need to describe the situation and the meaning of the variables before ppl can give an answer

 

[3li]

ive explained it in the banked tracks thread

 

[scubchie]

You have to find out the direction of the acceleration first, then the net force in the direction is the one causing the acceleration. The other component must then be perpendicular to the direction of the acceleration and it should balance off the force in the opposite direction (or otherwise, there will be net force and hence acceleraton).

So, the forces must be resolved in the direction of the acceleration, and the one perpendicular to the acceleration.