Line-Plane Relationships

Line-Plane Relationships

Let \(l:\mathbf r=\mathbf a+\lambda\mathbf d\) and \(\pi:\mathbf r\cdot\mathbf n=p\). The scalar \(\mathbf d\cdot\mathbf n\) controls the direction relationship.

Line contained in a plane

Line parallel to a plane

Line intersecting a plane

Line perpendicular to a plane

Angle between a line and a plane

Contained case

Parallel case

Acute intersection case

Perpendicular case

Projection onto a plane

ConditionConclusion
\(\mathbf d\cdot\mathbf n=0\) and \(\mathbf a\in\pi\)Line lies in plane
\(\mathbf d\cdot\mathbf n=0\) and \(\mathbf a\notin\pi\)Line is parallel to plane
\(\mathbf d\cdot\mathbf n\ne0\)Line meets plane once
\(\mathbf d=\lambda\mathbf n\)Line is perpendicular to plane
Acute angle and intersection

\[\sin\alpha=\frac{|\mathbf d\cdot\mathbf n|}{|\mathbf d||\mathbf n|},\quad 0\leq\alpha\leq\frac\pi2;\qquad (\mathbf a+\lambda\mathbf d)\cdot\mathbf n=p.\]

Projection of v onto the plane

\[\operatorname{proj}_{\pi}\mathbf v=\mathbf v-\frac{\mathbf v\cdot\mathbf n}{|\mathbf n|^2}\mathbf n.\]

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