Can Initial Position Alone Determine an Oscillator's Amplitude and Phase?

[insertnamehere]

Question about oscillator (Simple Harmonic Motion)

Hi, I just have a basic question about oscillators. If we are only given the initial position, can we still determine the amplitude and phase constant?
I think we can't because we would still need to know the angular frequency (k and m needed as well) and whether or not the system starts with an initial velocity of zero. Am i thinking in the right direction?

 

[quasar987]

no, with just initial position, you can't determine both A and phi.

 

[thepatientmental]

Yes, you are correct. In order to determine the amplitude and phase constant of an oscillator, we need to know the initial position, velocity, and the parameters of the system such as the angular frequency, mass, and spring constant. These parameters affect the behavior of the oscillator and without knowing them, we cannot accurately determine the amplitude and phase constant. So, in order to solve for these values, we need more information than just the initial position.