What is the component of gravity that acts parallel to an incline with angle theta?

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Multiple Choice

What is the component of gravity that acts parallel to an incline with angle theta?

Explanation:
When gravity acts, break it into two components relative to the incline: one perpendicular to the surface and one parallel to it. The component that runs along the plane has magnitude mg sin theta. This is the part that can cause the object to slide down the incline (if friction doesn’t stop it). The component perpendicular to the plane is mg cos theta, which is balanced by the normal force. A quick check: at theta = 0 the parallel component is zero, so nothing slides; at theta = 90°, the full weight mg acts along the plane.

When gravity acts, break it into two components relative to the incline: one perpendicular to the surface and one parallel to it. The component that runs along the plane has magnitude mg sin theta. This is the part that can cause the object to slide down the incline (if friction doesn’t stop it). The component perpendicular to the plane is mg cos theta, which is balanced by the normal force. A quick check: at theta = 0 the parallel component is zero, so nothing slides; at theta = 90°, the full weight mg acts along the plane.

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