Can x=8sin2t+6cos2t be proven as S.H.M. using a second derivative?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that the expression x=8sin2t+6cos2t represents simple harmonic motion (S.H.M.). Participants are exploring the relationship between the given equation and the standard form of S.H.M.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to rewrite the expression in a standard S.H.M. form and differentiate it to analyze its behavior. Others question how to equate coefficients from the sine and cosine terms to determine the conditions for S.H.M.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing various methods to approach the proof, including differentiation and the properties of sinusoidal functions. There is a focus on ensuring that the coefficients lead to consistent values for ω, which is essential for confirming S.H.M.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the need to compute the second derivative and express it in terms of x to validate the S.H.M. condition. There is an emphasis on the requirement that the sine and cosine coefficients must yield the same ω for the motion to be classified as S.H.M.

Cpt Qwark
Messages
45
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


Prove that:
[tex]x=8sin2t+6cos2t[/tex] is undergoing S.H.M.
(Not too sure about how to prove for solution.)

Homework Equations


Solution for S.H.M. [tex]x=asin(nt+α)[/tex] is [tex]\frac{d^{2}x}{dy^{2}}=-n^2x[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]r=\sqrt{8^{2}+6^{2}}=10\\α=tan^{-1}\frac{3}{4}\\∴x=10sin(2t+tan^{-1}\frac{3}{4})[/tex]
Differentiating with respect to time: [tex]\frac{dx}{dt}=20cos(2t+tan^{-1}\frac{3}{4})\\\frac{d^{2}x}{dt^{2}}=-40sin(2t+tan^{-1}\frac{3}{4})[/tex]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Cpt Qwark said:
Solution for S.H.M. [tex]x=asin(nt+α)[/tex] is [tex]\frac{d^{2}x}{dy^{2}}=-n^2x[/tex]

...

[tex]∴x=10sin(2t+tan^{-1}\frac{3}{4})[/tex]
Right. Adding any two sinusoidal functions of the same frequency will result in another sinusoidal function, regardless of their amplitudes.

If you solve the SHM differential equation, [itex]\frac{d^2x}{dt^2}=-kx[/itex] you will get [itex]x=C_1\sin(\sqrt{k}t)+C_2\cos(\sqrt{k}t)[/itex] and it because of the above fact that you can write the solution as [itex]x=C_3\sin(\sqrt{k}t+C_4)[/itex]
 
Last edited:
Cpt Qwark said:

Homework Statement


Prove that:
[tex]x = 8sin2t+6cos2t[/tex] is undergoing S.H.M.
You can just take this equation, compute x', then x'', and see that ω2 must = 4 by equating sine and cosine coefficients. Both yield the same answer ω2 = 4. Had the sine & cosine coeff. yielded differing ω then x(t) would not be shm.
 
Take the second derivative of the given expression and express it in terms of x. The result would eliminate sin and cos and will prove your answer in form of a=-nx.
 

Similar threads

Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
994
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
2K