A Tilted-Axes Tool for Introductory Mechanics and Mathematics Courses

Abstract

An important but challenging problem-solving technique in introductory mechanics is that of using “tilted axes.” For inclined plane and centripetal motion problems, using axes that are aligned relative to the ramp direction or the radial direction (rather than the horizontal and vertical) yields equations that are conceptually more straightforward and algebraically more tractable. Of necessity, textbooks tend to present this as a static choice of alternate axes, while experts often think of this as a continuous rotation. Simply printing orthogonal axes onto transparency film produces an inexpensive student handout that bridges this gap in an effective way for those students who have difficulty with the standard textbook presentation.