Calculating Period of Oscillations - Graph with x and t Coordinates

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the period of oscillations based on a graph where the vertical axis represents position (x) and the horizontal axis represents time (t). The original poster presents specific coordinates for points on the graph and seeks to determine the period T of the oscillations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the coordinates provided and the period of oscillation, questioning the meaning of the variable 'a' in the context of the problem. There is a suggestion to apply kinematic equations to find 'a', with some participants seeking clarification on the graph's details and the significance of points R and K.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the setup of the problem and the meaning of the variables involved. While some guidance is offered regarding the use of kinematics, there is no explicit consensus on the approach, and the original poster indicates they have found an answer.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of clarity regarding the graph's details and the specific roles of points R and K, which may impact the interpretation of the problem. The original poster's request for hints suggests constraints on providing direct solutions.

Soaring Crane
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A graph resembling that of cos(x) is presented in which x is the vert. axis and t is the horizontal axis. Assume that the x coordinate of point R is 0.12 , and the t coordinate of point K is 0.0050.

So . . .
R = (0 , 0.12 m)
K = (.005 s ,0)

What is the period T of oscillations?

I know that a*T = .005 s, where T is the period and a is the fraction of a full wavelength covered over this interval. What is a so I can get T?

Thanks for any hints.
 
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Have you tried using kinematics? You might be able to use the formula d = vit+ ½ at² to find "a" if you mean "a" as in 'acceleration'.
 
ms. confused said:
Have you tried using kinematics? You might be able to use the formula d = vit+ ½ at² to find "a" if you mean "a" as in 'acceleration'.

That wouldn't be the right way to do it.

Soaring Crane, you haven't sufficiently described the figure.

Is R at the topmost point (like it would be for cosx) ?
And is K the point where the curve first intersects the t-axis ?
Or are they somethings else ?

Code:
R?
*   *
|        *
|           *
|____________ *K?____
|              *
 
Thanks, got the answer.
 

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