Answer to Question #143702 in Physics for Sydney

Question

A 4.65 kg cat is creeping up on a bird on a fence using a plank leaning on the fence. The plank makes a 42.5 º angle with the ground. What are the perpendicular and parallel components of the weight of the cat?.

Answer 1

The weight of the cat has the magnitude

$$P = mg = 4.65kg\times 9.81m/s^2 = 45.6165 \space N$$

The parallel component is

$$P_x = P\sin\alpha = 45.6165\cdot \sin42.5\degree \approx 30.82\cdot N$$

The perpendicular component is

$$P_y = P\cos\alpha = 45.6165\cdot \cos42.5\degree \approx 33.63\cdot N$$

Answer. Parallel: 30.82 N, perpendicular: 33.63 N.