Energy Problem involving simple harmonic motion

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the time at which the potential energy equals the kinetic energy for a particle undergoing simple harmonic motion, described by the equation x = 10 sin(πt + π/2).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various approaches to equate kinetic and potential energy, with some attempting algebraic manipulations and others exploring different methods of analysis. Questions arise regarding the treatment of mass and spring constant in the equations.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the problem, with some participants providing alternative approaches and others questioning the algebraic steps taken. A variety of interpretations and methods are being considered, but no consensus has been reached regarding the correct solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential algebraic errors and the implications of different values for mass and spring constant. The discussion includes references to angular frequency and the implications of using different approaches to the problem.

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Homework Statement


The motion of a particle is described by x = 10 sin (piet +pie/2 ). At what time ( in second ) is the potential energy equal to the kinetic energy ?


Homework Equations




KE = 1/2 mv^2 PE=1/2 Kx^2

The Attempt at a Solution



V=pie10cos(piet + pie/3)
V^2 = pie^2 100cos^2(piet+ pie/3)
KE = mpie5ocos^2 (piet + pie/3)
X^2 =100sin^2(piet +pie/2 )
PE =k50 sin^2(piet +pie/2 )
KE=PE
pie^2 100cos^2(piet+ pie/3) =K50 sin^2(piet +pie/2 )
m/k * pie^2 = tan^2(piet +pie/2 )
take square root of both sides of equation
1/pie * pie = tan(piet + pie/3)
piet + pie/3 =tan-1(1)
solving for t i get a negative value where iam i going wrong.
 
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There appear to be a lot of algebraic errors throughout. Where has the m and k gone from the equation toward the end?

EDIt: up to the this point you seem to be fine as far as I can tell:

m/k * pie^2 = tan^2(piet +pie/2 )

I just want to know how you got rid of the m and k in the next step?
 
w(angular frequency) = (k/m)^0.5 so
1/w=m/k
siince w = pie
m/k = 1/pie
 
I tried a different approach and got the same answer. since the motion is SHM one would think that value +[itex]n2\pi[/itex] should work.
 
what is n2PI is it equal to m/k ?
 
You can wright PE = 1/2*m*w^2*x^2 and KE = 1/2*m*w^2*(A^2 - x^2)
When PE = KE, we get 2x^2 = A^2 or x = A/sqrt2. Put this value in the equation of SHM.
A/sqrt2 = Asin(pi*t + Pi/2 ) or 1/sqrt2 = sin(pi*t + pi/2). Sin(pi/4) = sin(3*pi/4) = 1/sqrt2 To avoide negative time, take sin(3pi/4) = sin(pi*t + pi/2)
That gives you t = 1/4 s.
 
Last edited:
the anwser is 0.9 s
 

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