4 Rules of Splitting a Force into Vectors

Assigning the right angle to the vectors is fundamentel for the seperation. Normally, there are two options, but it is not always easy to see directly, which angle belongs to which vector. If you apply the 4 rules blind, you will always be right.

Rule 1

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The 90° angle is always opposite to the whole force! Never have the 90° angle next to it:

Rule 2

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Sketch the new coordinate system on the side. And then use the new coordinate axes as guidelines to draw the vectors. The vectors will be fully "directed" by the new axes.

Rule 3

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Position the force vector at the tip of your model triangle (either the front or the back tip - which doesn't matter)

Rule 4

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Use the triangle sum rules. A triangle has 180° of summed angle inside, as well as a sum of angles that form a straight. In the following picture, α + β = 90°: