Solving Oscillary Motion: Half Max Speed at 2.25 cm Amplitude

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a particle executing simple harmonic motion (SHM) with a specified amplitude of 2.25 cm. The question seeks to determine the position at which the particle's speed is half of its maximum speed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for additional information such as energy, mass, frequency, or spring constant to solve the problem. Some suggest using trigonometric relationships to find the position where the speed is half of the maximum speed, while others propose applying general formulas related to SHM.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with participants exploring different approaches to the problem. Hints and suggestions have been provided, including the use of trigonometric identities and general velocity formulas in SHM. There is no explicit consensus, but various lines of reasoning are being examined.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of specific values such as mass, energy, or frequency, which are typically required to fully resolve the problem. The original poster expresses frustration over the lack of information needed to proceed.

Cyrad2
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The Problem is:
A particle executes simple harmonic motion with an amplitude of 2.25 cm. At what position does its speed equal half its maximum speed?

I've been looking at this for a while, and I can't see how to solve it without more information.

If I knew the energy and mass I could solve it,
if I knew the frequency or period I could solve it,
if I knew the spring constant and mass I could solve it,
but I don't have any of this, what's the trick?
 
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HINT: For what value of z does cos z equal half its maximum value?
 
Cyrad2 said:
The Problem is:
A particle executes simple harmonic motion with an amplitude of 2.25 cm. At what position does its speed equal half its maximum speed?

I've been looking at this for a while, and I can't see how to solve it without more information.

If I knew the energy and mass I could solve it,
if I knew the frequency or period I could solve it,
if I knew the spring constant and mass I could solve it,
but I don't have any of this, what's the trick?

Use symbols instead of numbers.

The position of the particle x=Asin(wt), A= 2.25 cm.
The velocity of the particle v= Awcos(wt).
The maximum velocity is Aw.
You look for the position when v=0.5 Aw.
0.5 Aw = Aw cos(wt) ----> cos(wt)=0.5.

You only ned to find sin(wt) to get x.

ehild
 
You can apply the general velocity formula for SHM here. since maximum velocity is v=rw, then take the half of it and equal to general formula. Work it out and you should be able to find the positions.
 

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