Problem: how do you know what formulas to use when solving for two unknowns
I am trying to solve a word problem and still have two unknowns and don't know where to go from there.
the problem states: A 10kg object on a 26 degree inclined plane. What are the objects weight and the
normal force exerted on the object by the inclined plane?
I don't understand what I'm missing. :(
An object sitting on a flat surface exerts force
straight down, vertical.
An object on an inclined plane exerts force in
both a vertical and a horizontal direction.
You multiply the weight by the cosine of the
angle to determine the vertical force, and multiply
the weight by the sine of the angle to determine
the horizontal force.