Calculating Amplitude in Simple Harmonic Motion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the amplitude in the context of simple harmonic motion (SHM). Participants are examining a specific problem related to SHM, referencing a past paper question and its provided answer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the relationship between the components of motion and the amplitude, with one suggesting a formula involving the coefficients of cosine and sine functions. Others are questioning how the examiner derived the provided answer and discussing the significance of the equilibrium point in relation to amplitude.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants expressing confusion about the derivation of the answer while others are beginning to find clarity in the concepts being discussed. There is no explicit consensus, but some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between the equilibrium point and amplitude.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working from a past paper question, which may impose certain constraints or assumptions that are not fully detailed in the discussion. The specific values and context of the problem are referenced but not fully elaborated upon.

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My question is with part c, more specifically the calculating of the amplitude part.
[PLAIN]http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/1750/shmquestion.jpg

The answer to the question is:
[PLAIN]http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/8921/shmanswer.jpg

I do not understand how to arrive at this conclusion in order to calculate the amplitude; it baffles me. Any poking or prodding in the right direction (or even an outright answer) would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Isn't the amplitude

[tex]A = \sqrt{c^2_1 + c^2_2}[/tex]

Where

[tex]x(t) = c_1cos(wt) + c_2sin(wt)[/tex]
 
I have no idea unfortunately. My question is how did the examiner arrive at the answer above (it is the verbatim answer for the past paper I'm currently working on).
 
see the equilibrium point of smaller block is .05g/k = .01 m but initially it is at .03 m thus this excess distance is its amplitude . as after each oscillation it wll come back to this point .
 
Thank you very much, that actually kind of makes sense now!
 

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