Simple harmonic motion and time

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a particle undergoing simple harmonic motion along the x-axis, starting from the equilibrium position at time t = 0. The problem involves determining the total distance traveled by the particle between t = 0 and t = 0.75 s, given the amplitude and frequency of the motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between amplitude, frequency, and the total distance traveled. Questions arise about how to calculate the position of the particle at specific times and the relevance of the period of motion. There is also uncertainty regarding the use of radians versus degrees in calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered hints and guidance regarding the calculation of position and the importance of the period in determining motion direction. However, there remains a lack of consensus on the specific method to find the total distance traveled, with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion about the initial phase and the calculation of position as a function of time. There are also mentions of the need to clarify the use of radians or degrees in calculations, indicating potential constraints in understanding the mathematical framework of simple harmonic motion.

nemzy
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A particle moving along the x-axis in simple harmonic motion starts from its equilibrium position, the origin, at t = 0 and moves to the right. The amplitude of its motion is 1.70 cm and the frequency is 2.00 Hz.

Determine the total distance traveled between t = 0 and t = 0.75 s.

how would you solve this?

well i can easily solve for T, w, A, etc..

but how can i find the total distance traveled between those 2 points? is there an easy formula i am overlooking?

i hate oscillations
 
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HINT:
It's the difference between two values of "x".

Daniel.
 
i am still clueless?

what do u mean the diff bw the two values of x?

how can i find the value of x at a given time??

all i know is the amplitude...but that isn't a value of x is it?
 
You know the amplitude,the frequency,u can compute the initial phase...
You know everything...:wink:

Daniel.
 
What is the period of the motion? Knowing that will tell you whether the motion was all in one direction, in which case the problem is easy, or if you need to take into account one or more changes of direction.
 
do i use this formula to solve for x as a function of time?
x(t)= Acos(wt+&)

where w=angular frequency and &= initial phase?


in this case the t=the time right, not the period?

and...how do i know what & is?

when i have pi in cos or sin, do i use the radian or degree mode in my calc?

if i use radian or degree diff answers come out
 
I'm not an expert and am currently studying this now so if it don't make no sense disreguard it okay: so we have f=2 T=0.75 A=1.7

so we could use the equation (x=distance)
x = sin A (2π × f × t) so: sin 0.17 (2π × 2 × 0.75) = 1.59m

SHM is always done using radians
 

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