Air-Track Cart Oscillating on a Spring, solve for time

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
2 replies · 4K views
Becca93
Messages
84
Reaction score
1
Homework Statement
The position of a an air-track cart that is oscillating on a spring is given by (14.0cm)cos[(12.0s-1)t]. At what value t after t=0 is the cart first located at x=2.0 cm?


The attempt at a solution

y = Acos(wt+∅)

y = 14cos(12t)
2 = 14cos(12t)
(1/7) = cos(12t)
12t = cos^-1(1/7)
t = cos^/1(1/7) / 12
t = 6.816 seconds,
incorrect.

Does anyone have any advice on how to proceed with this question?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
When finding the angle, be sure to express it in radians. cos^-1(1/7) = ??
 
Doc Al said:
When finding the angle, be sure to express it in radians. cos^-1(1/7) = ??

Thank you!