The vectors are broken into components in orthogonal directions.The orthogonal vector components are treated independently of each other.
The acceleration of van is a= 11 m/s ²
Explanation:
We can solve this problem based on its accelerations , The acceleration due to gravity will have two components relative to the windshield, parallel and perpendicular, given by
g║= g sin θ
g⊥ = g cosθ
The acceleration due to van will also have same two components , but the acceleration is along the horizontal, than vertical the trig functions will be opposite what they were for gravity.
a║= a cos θ
a⊥= a sin θ
To isolate the van's acceleration
a= g sin (θ) ± μs cos (θ) / cos (θ) ± μs sin (θ)
θ = 180°- 120°
= 60°
We can assume that van is not decelerating with 30 g's and giving the acceleration of the van as
a= 11 m/s²
