That is how the scalar product is defined. Also, the projection of one vector onto another at an angle to it is directly proportional to the cosine of that angle.
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Normally you use sine theta with the cross product and cos theta with the vector product, so that the cross product of parallel vectors is zero while the dot product of vectors at right angles is zero.
Dot Products in Physics denote scalar results fmo vector products, e.g Work = F.D = FDCos(FD) a scalar result from the dot product of two vectors, F Force and D Displacement.
Use the appropriate sine or cosine ratio.
cosine = adjacent/hypotenuse. It can be used as other trig functions can.
use the inverse sine or cosine or tangent