Question

On an inclined plane, what quantity gets broken down into x and y components?

Answer 1

On an inclined plane , the weight of an object (placed on the plane) gets broken down into X and Y components.

Let's assume that an object of mass "m" has been placed on an inclined plane of angle $\theta$ with the horizontal.

So, as from the diagram , the weight mg is directed at an angle of $\theta$ with the vertical.

So, the weight vector can be divided into components as follows:

• $mg\cos(\theta)$ component perpendicular to the plane.

• $mg\sin(\theta)$ component parallel to the plane.

HOPE IT HELPS.