Find the amplitude and period of the function

In summary, the location of the weight in centimeters as a function of time t is given by z = -3 sin (2t) and the amplitude is 3 cm and the period is 3.1416 seconds. The graph of the function in the interval of [0, 2pi] would be a sine curve with an amplitude of 3 cm and a period of 3.1416 seconds.
  • #1
jen043081
3
0
A weight hanging on a vertical spring is set in motion with a downward velocity of 6 cm/sec from its equilibrium position. Assume that the constant w for this particular spring and weight combination is 2. Write the formula that gives the location of the weight in centimeters as a function of the time t in seconds. Find the amplitude and period of the function and sketch its graph for t in the interval [0,2(pie)][/i][/b][/tex][/list][/code]
 
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  • #2
I assume that w in your thread means the circular frequency ω (in rad/s)?

Assume the vertical location of the weight from its equilibrium position is z
(z pointing upward is positive)
The mass-spring system can be described as a harmonic motion:
z = za . sin (ω t), where za is the amplitude of the motion
differentiation to t gives the velocity of the mass:
z' = za . ω . cos (ω t)
at t=0: z = 0 cm and z' = -6 cm/s and ω = 2 rad/s
at t=0: -6 = za .2, so za = -3 cm.
since amplitude is always positive, assume za = +3 and write equation of motion of the weight as:
z = -za . sin (ω t) or z = -3 sin (2t)
the period of the harmonic motion is T, where T = 2.pi/ ω
T = pi = 3.1416 s.
 
  • #3


The formula for the location of the weight on the spring as a function of time is given by x(t) = A cos(wt + p), where A is the amplitude, w is the angular frequency, and p is the phase shift. In this case, the weight is set in motion with a downward velocity of 6 cm/sec, which means that the initial displacement is -6 cm. Therefore, the equation becomes x(t) = -6 cos(2t + p).

The amplitude of this function is 6 cm, as it represents the maximum displacement of the weight from its equilibrium position. The period of the function is given by T = 2(pie)/w, where w is the angular frequency. In this case, w = 2, so the period is T = 2(pie)/2 = (pie) seconds.

The graph of this function within the given interval [0,2(pie)] will start at -6 cm (since the initial displacement is -6 cm), reach a maximum value of 6 cm, then return to -6 cm at the end of the period. The graph will be a cosine curve, starting at the origin and oscillating between -6 cm and 6 cm with a period of (pie) seconds. The phase shift, p, will determine where the curve starts within the interval [0,2(pie)].
 

1. What is the amplitude of a function?

The amplitude of a function is the distance from the center line to the highest or lowest point of the function. It represents the maximum deviation of the function from its average value.

2. How do you determine the period of a function?

The period of a function is the length of one complete cycle of the function. It can be determined by finding the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of the function. Alternatively, it can also be calculated by dividing the length of the x-axis by the number of cycles in the function.

3. Can a function have a negative amplitude?

Yes, a function can have a negative amplitude if it has a downward trend. The amplitude in this case would be the distance from the center line to the lowest point of the function.

4. How does the amplitude affect the shape of a function?

The amplitude determines the vertical stretch or compression of a function. A larger amplitude results in a more stretched out function, while a smaller amplitude results in a more compressed function.

5. Is the period of a function always constant?

No, the period of a function can change depending on the coefficient of the variable in the function. For example, if the coefficient is greater than 1, the period will decrease, and if it is less than 1, the period will increase.

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