Basic trig question for physics

Thread starter laminar
Start date Oct 12, 2006
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Physics Trig

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To calculate the phase constant for a mass and spring system in simple harmonic motion, it is necessary to determine the correct quadrant for the angle. When the arctan of a negative number over another negative number is calculated, the resulting angle is in quadrant II. To adjust this to quadrant III, adding π to the angle is required. The rules for trigonometric functions remain consistent across both precalculus and physics contexts. Therefore, adding π ensures the phase constant is correctly represented.

Oct 12, 2006

laminar

I have to calculate the phase constant for a mass and spring system for simple harmonic motion. If I find that phi equals the arctan of some negative over another negative number, do I have to add pi to the answer for it to be in quadrant III?

I know this is more of a precalculus question but I don't know if the rules are different for physics.

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Oct 12, 2006

courtrigrad

yes, you have to add \pi.

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