Direct collisions on an inclined plane

AI Thread Summary
A smooth sphere strikes a fixed inclined plane, rebounding horizontally after impact. The coefficient of restitution is (2/3), and the calculations show that the fraction of kinetic energy lost during impact is 1/6. However, some participants argue that the correct answer should be 1/3, as derived from the energy loss equations. The confusion arises from different interpretations of the equations used to calculate the velocity components before and after impact. Ultimately, the discussion highlights discrepancies between the calculated results and textbook answers regarding kinetic energy loss.
Woolyabyss
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Homework Statement



A smooth sphere falls vertically and strikes a fixed smooth plane inclined at an angle of ∅ to the horizontal.If the coefficient of restitution is (2/3) and the sphere rebounds horizontally,
Its speed before impact is u and after impact v
calculate the fraction of kinetic energy lost during impact.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Diagram of the question is attached to this post.

i = horizontal component vector and j = vertical component vector

Taking the inclined plane as the x-axis
v, vcos∅i + vsin∅j ... alternate angle to inclined angle

u, vcos(90 - ∅ )i - v sin(90 - ∅)j = usin∅i - ucos∅jthe I component remains the same

vcos∅ = usin∅

v = utan∅

vsin∅/(ucos∅) = 2/3 (v/u)tan∅ = 2/3 (utan∅/u)tan∅ =2/3

(tan∅)^2 = 2/3 tan∅ = (√6)/3v = u(√6)/3

.5mu^2 - .5mv^2 = energy loss

.5mu^2 -.5m(6/9)u^2 = .5mu^2 - m(6/18)u^2 = .5mu^2 - (1/3)mu^2 = (1/6)mu^2

fraction of kinetic energy lost is 1/6my book says the answer is 1/3 but I got 1/6. Any help would be appreciated.
 

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Woolyabyss said:
vcos∅ = usin∅

v = utan∅
Correct so far

vsin∅/(ucos∅) = 2/3 (v/u)tan∅ = 2/3 (utan∅/u)tan∅ =2/3
It is a bit convoluted there. I can't follow what you have done. Just use:

vsin∅/(ucos∅) = 2/3

so: tan∅ = 2/3(u/v)

Since you also have tan∅ = v/u

∴ v^2/u^2 = 2/3

AM
 
I used the equation

v^2/u^2 = 2/3

v^2 = (2/3)u^2

so .5mu^2 - .5m(2/3)u^2 = 1/6mu^2

fraction of kinetic energy lost during impact = 1/6

I got the same answer do you think my book could be wrong?
 
Woolyabyss said:
so .5mu^2 - .5m(2/3)u^2 = 1/6mu^2
fraction of kinetic energy lost during impact = 1/6
I got the same answer do you think my book could be wrong?
What fraction is 1/6mu^2 of .5mu^2?
 
haruspex said:
What fraction is 1/6mu^2 of .5mu^2?

1/3! thanks
 
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