Any vector can be resolved into two components at right angles to each other.

In practice we are given an angle (generally from the horizontal or vertical) and we use trigonometry 20N 20 sin 300N 300 20 cos 300N

THE FRICTIONLESS INCLINED PLANE Normal Force The component of gravity pushing down the plane Component of gravity equal and opposite Normal Force Weight θ

The weight force forms the hypotenuse of a right angled triangle  The weight force forms the hypotenuse of a right angled triangle wcos  is the component of the weight force equal to the normal force but opposite in direction w cos  w w sin  wsinθ is the component of the weight force pushing the block down the ramp

With Friction If the block is not moving or is moving at steady speed the friction force = wsinθ Normal Force Friction wcos  If the block is accelerating the friction force is smaller than wsinθ wsinθ wcos 