Calculating theta from alpha: Tan(theta)=Cot(alpha)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the angle theta after an impact, using the relationship Tan(theta) = Cot(alpha). Participants express confusion over the book's assertion that theta equals alpha, suggesting that the figure may misrepresent the situation. It is proposed that the angle theta should be derived from a different perspective, particularly by considering angles not close to 45 degrees. One participant suggests that theta could be calculated as 90 - alpha, which is deemed correct by others. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the geometric relationships involved in the problem.
Shivam
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Homework Statement
The angle theta with the inclined plane which the velocity makes just after 1st impact will be ?
Relevant Equations
Conservation of linear Momentum. Coefficient of restitution.
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After impact VCos(alpha) will be normal to the inclined, now i calculated for theta by using [ Tan(theta) = vCos(alpha)/vSin(alpha),. Tan(theta)= Cot(alpha) ]. I don't know how to solve further to get value of theta, according to book thta = alpha.
 
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Shivam said:
I don't know how to solve further to get value of theta, according to book thta = alpha.

The answer fron the book is incorrect. However, the way figure is drawn may make it appear to be correct. Since the result has to work for an arbitrary angle ##\alpha##, I suggest that you redraw the figure using a value of ##\alpha## that is not so close to 45 deg.

Try answering these questions; they should make the correct solution clear:
- What angle will the velocity make with the plane before impact?
- How will the velocity after impact be related to the velocity before impact?
 
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tnich said:
The answer fron the book is incorrect. However, the way figure is drawn may make it appear to be correct. Since the result has to work for an arbitrary angle ##\alpha##, I suggest that you redraw the figure using a value of ##\alpha## that is not so close to 45 deg.

Try answering these questions; they should make the correct solution clear:
- What angle will the velocity make with the plane before impact?
- How will the velocity after impact be related to the velocity before impact?
Bro , i thought geometrically and angle was not equal to alpha , i also tried this [ Tan(theta) = Cot(alpha),
Tan(theta) = Tan(90-alphal),
So, theta = 90 - alpha],
is it correct
 
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Shivam said:
Bro , i thought geometrically and angle was not equal to alpha , i also tried this [ Tan(theta) = Cot(alpha),
Tan(theta) = Tan(90-alphal),
So, theta = 90 - alpha],
is it correct
Looks right to me, though it seems (4) should also be valid since the question does not indicate whether the angle is to be measured from the half plane below impact or from the half plane above it.
 
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