Projectile motion on an inclined plane

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the analysis of projectile motion on an inclined plane, specifically addressing the conditions under which a projectile hits the plane vertically. Key equations discussed include the time of flight equation, t = (2 Vi sin θi) / (g cos ∅), and the relationship between the vertical and horizontal components of velocity. Participants clarify that for a vertical impact, the horizontal component of velocity must be zero, leading to confusion regarding the initial launch angle and reference frames. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly interpreting angles and components in projectile motion analysis.

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  • Understanding of basic kinematics and projectile motion
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their applications in physics
  • Knowledge of inclined plane dynamics
  • Ability to manipulate and solve equations involving time, velocity, and acceleration
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songoku
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Homework Statement
An object move in trajectory as shown. Find:
a. the time when the particle falls to the plane
b. tan⁡ θ[SUB]i[/SUB] so that the particle hits the plane vertically
Relevant Equations
Projectile motion
Untitled.png

a. I tried to "rotate" the inclined plane so the surface of the inclined plane becomes horizontal

h = Vi sin θi . t - 1/2 g cos ∅ t2 and when it falls to the plane, y = 0 so:
0 = Vi sin θi . t - 1/2 g cos ∅ t2
t = (2 Vi sin θi) / (g cos ∅)

Is this correct?b. Particle hits the plane vertically means that vertical component of the velocity must be zero. Since the vertical component of velocity of the object will never be zero if we take horizontal line as reference so I think I need to take the surface of inclined plane as reference.

Vx = 0
Vi cos θi - g sin ∅ . t = 0

Then I don't know how to continue

Thanks
 
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songoku said:
Particle hits the plane vertically means that vertical component of the velocity must be zero.
No, if it hits vertically then the horizontal component is zero. But that will only happen if it was vertical on take off, so makes no sense.
I would think question should specify either horizontally or normal to the plane.
 
songoku said:
Vi cos θi - g sin ∅ . t = 0
Assuming the question means that the projectile hits the plane at a 90 degree angle to the plane: You already have an expression for ##t## for when the projectile hits. Insert this and solve for ##\tan\theta_i##.
 
haruspex said:
No, if it hits vertically then the horizontal component is zero. But that will only happen if it was vertical on take off, so makes no sense.
I would think question should specify either horizontally or normal to the plane.
Ah yes, my bad. I mean horizontal component of velocity is zero. I think horizontally is impossible so I assume the question is referring to normal to the plane.

Orodruin said:
Assuming the question means that the projectile hits the plane at a 90 degree angle to the plane: You already have an expression for ##t## for when the projectile hits. Insert this and solve for ##\tan\theta_i##.
Oh ok, don't realize I can use time from question (a)

Thank you very much for the help haruspex and orodruin
 
I am not sure you can just "rotate the plane" to solve for t. The projectile is launched at an angle ##(θ+∅)## to the horizontal. Unless angle θ is supposed to be between projectile vector and horizontal rather that between projectile vector and inclined plane as appears to be the case in your diagram ?
 
neilparker62 said:
I am not sure you can just "rotate the plane" to solve for t. The projectile is launched at an angle ##(θ+∅)## to the horizontal. Unless angle θ is supposed to be between projectile vector and horizontal rather that between projectile vector and inclined plane as appears to be the case in your diagram ?
The OP has done that part correctly.
 
neilparker62 said:
I am not sure you can just "rotate the plane" to solve for t. The projectile is launched at an angle ##(θ+∅)## to the horizontal. Unless angle θ is supposed to be between projectile vector and horizontal rather that between projectile vector and inclined plane as appears to be the case in your diagram ?
I "rotate the plane" so that the object moves with initial angle θi and I also "rotate" the acceleration of free fall so it has component in both horizontal and vertical direction
 
Ok - sorry. Missed that you were also 'rotating' g.
 

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