2D Motion of Sphere - Inclined Plane

In summary, a small sphere is dropped from a height 'h' above an inclined plane at an angle θ to the horizontal. The sphere loses no energy on impact and the goal is to show that the distance down the plane between the first impact and the next is 8hSinθ. This can be solved by considering a rotated reference frame and using equations for displacement along the inclined plane and vertical direction. By solving for the time of impact and substituting it into the equation for displacement, the distance down the plane can be found.
  • #1
Keano16
23
0

Homework Statement



A small sphere is dropped from rest at a height 'h' above a plane inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal ( < 90degrees ). Given that the sphere loses no energy on impact, show that the distance down the plane between this impact and the next is 8hSinθ.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Presumably, we need to consider a rotated reference frame oriented to apply to the given inclined plane. The component along the plane will have a Sinθ component, but I can't really put my finger on how to solve this.
 
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  • #2
After the first impact, the ball will recoil with velocity v making an angle θ with the perpendicular to the inclined plane.
If A is the first point of impact and P is the next point of impact, then distplacement along inclined plane is
AP = vsinθ*t + 1/2*gsinθ*t^2...(1)
Along the vertical direction to the inclined plane, the displacement is zero. So
0 = vcosθ*t - 1/2*gcosθ*t^2 ...(2)
Find the value of t from the second equation and substitute in eq(1) to find AP.
 

Related to 2D Motion of Sphere - Inclined Plane

1. What is the equation for 2D motion of a sphere on an inclined plane?

The equation for 2D motion of a sphere on an inclined plane is given by:

 x = x0 + v0cosθt + 1/2at^2y = y0 + v0sinθt + 1/2at^2 

Where x and y are the horizontal and vertical positions of the sphere, x0 and y0 are the initial positions, v0 is the initial velocity, θ is the angle of inclination, a is the acceleration due to gravity, and t is the time.

2. How does the angle of inclination affect the motion of the sphere?

The angle of inclination affects the acceleration of the sphere. As the angle increases, the component of the acceleration due to gravity along the incline decreases, resulting in a slower acceleration and a longer time for the sphere to reach the bottom.

3. What is the relationship between the speed and time of the sphere on an inclined plane?

The speed of the sphere on an inclined plane increases as time passes due to the acceleration of gravity. However, the rate of increase in speed decreases as the sphere reaches the bottom due to the decrease in acceleration caused by the angle of inclination.

4. How does the mass of the sphere affect its motion on an inclined plane?

The mass of the sphere does not affect its motion on an inclined plane, as long as we neglect air resistance. According to Newton's Second Law, the force of gravity is directly proportional to the mass of the sphere, but it is also counteracted by the normal force of the incline, which is also proportional to the mass. Therefore, the mass does not have an effect on the acceleration of the sphere.

5. Can the sphere ever reach a state of constant velocity on an inclined plane?

No, the sphere cannot reach a state of constant velocity on an inclined plane. Due to the acceleration of gravity, the sphere will continue to gain speed until it reaches the bottom of the incline. The angle of inclination also affects the acceleration, so even if the sphere were to reach a state of constant velocity on a flat surface, it would still accelerate when placed on an incline.

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