-
This rod is massless; the force on this is m·g.
-
If that angle is θ,
-
you can see that angle is the same θ,
-
so m·g·cos(θ) acts this way,
-
and m·g·sin(θ) acts that way.
-
To hold the pendulum from falling when the angle is θ,
-
I have to apply a tangential force
-
in this direction of size m·g·sin(θ).
-
I hope you guys can see that.
-
The m·g·cos(θ) is going to be provided by the rod.
-
Because the rod is a rigid body,
-
it won't let the mass move in this direction.