Direct collisions on an inclined plane

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a smooth sphere falling vertically and colliding with a fixed smooth inclined plane. The coefficient of restitution is given as (2/3), and the sphere rebounds horizontally. Participants are tasked with calculating the fraction of kinetic energy lost during the impact.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the velocities before and after impact, using trigonometric relationships and the coefficient of restitution. There is a focus on deriving equations for the kinetic energy lost and questioning the correctness of the original poster's calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed the calculations leading to a fraction of kinetic energy lost as 1/6, while others suggest that the original poster's book may be incorrect. The discussion is exploring different interpretations of the equations involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a diagram that may provide additional context, but it is not included in the discussion. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their answer compared to the book's answer.

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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