Calculating Speed in Simple Harmonic Motion

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the speed of a mass in simple harmonic motion, given the position equation and time. The position is defined as (14.0 cm)cos[(18.0 s^-1)t], and the user initially struggles with the correct interpretation of angular speed versus frequency. The correct formula for speed in this context is v = -wAsin(wt), where w is the angular speed. After some back-and-forth, the user realizes that the negative sign in the velocity calculation indicates direction, and the speed should be considered as a scalar value. Ultimately, the confusion is resolved, leading to the correct interpretation of the problem.
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[SOLVED] Simple Harmonic Motion

This is the question I was given on my assignment, I can't seem to get it, bad prof so I am trying to teach all of this to myself, but this stuff is a bit confusing. From what I have tried and gather from examples in mt text, sub in .120s and solve but that is not working.

The position of a mass that is oscillating on a spring is given by (14.0cm)cos[(18.0s^-1)t].
What is the speed of the mass when t = 0.120 s?

Also, I don't think 18.0s^-1 is angular speed, I think its frequency but the book has nothing in it about it, got that from google.

I am looking for a step in the right direction in solving this one, the equation I am using are:

v = -wAsin(wt + theta)

The solution I am getting is -13.4 m/s which is not right, any help would be great. Thanks.
 
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Can you show how you got the -13.4 m/s? Are you working in radian mode on your calculator?
 
Yeah, I am working in radian mode, this is going under what I was assuming the 18.0s^-1 is frequency so I converted it using:

w = f2(pi)

and then used that in the velocity equation, I don't think that's right, but just using the 18 as w doesn't work either.
 
I think the 18 s^-1 is the angular speed. Can you show what answer you get when you use 18?
 
V = -(18 * .14)sin(18 * .120)
= -(2.52)sin(2.16)
= -(2.52)(.83138)
= -2.095 m/s

That answer is not right either.
 
Yeah, I got it after, I was forgetting speed is a scaler so leaving out the negative solved the problem, thanks for your help.
 
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