Determining the period of a periodic motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the period of a ball dropped from a height of 4 meters, experiencing perfectly elastic collisions with the ground. The initial calculations using the equations V(final) = V(initial) - gt and V^2(final) = V^2(initial) - 2gh led to a time of 0.9035 seconds for the fall, resulting in a total period of 1.807 seconds when doubled. However, the correct period is confirmed as 1.807 seconds, aligning with the book's answer. The motion is clarified as not being Simple Harmonic due to the nature of the motion not conforming to the sine wave function characteristic of such motion.

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Hi. I am currently working on a problem involving a ball being dropped from a hieght of 4m making a perfectly elastic collision with the ground. Assuming no mechanical energy is lost due to air resistance, I must find the period of the motion.
I used the equation
V(final) = V(initial) - gt
where V(initial)=0
therefore V(final)= -9.8t

and V^2(final) = V^2(initial) - 2gh
h= -4m
V(final)= -9.8t
so i replaced these values in the equation, and i find t= 0.9035 seconds
To find T, I simply multiplied 0.9035 sec by 2. However, my answer does not correspond that what it says in the book, and now I'm lost! Can someone help me by telling me if my method is right or wrong? I would really appreciate it!
Thank you!
 
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And also, why is this type of motion NOT Simple Harmonic?
 
It is simple harmonic motion if the collisions are completely elastic and no air resistance/friction is present.

It takes 1.807s for the ball to fall, hit the ground, and go back to its original height. What does the book say?
 
1) it would have been more straightforward to use
x = x_0 + v_0 *t + .5 g t^2 => 4m = .5(9.8m/ss) t^2

2) yes, the time Period T = 1.807s . Did they give frequency?

3) "Harmonic" means location function x(t-t_0) can be written
as a Sum of sine waves with (a) w_i = n * w_0
"Simple Harmonic" means that there's only one term:
x(t) = A sin(wt) (if you set your starting time right, so no phase).
Do you think this ball's motion is Simple Harmonic?
 

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