Finding Phase Constant and air-track glider

In summary, the phase constant for an air-track glider attached to a spring oscillates with a period of 2.3 s. At t=0 s the glider is 3.09 cm left of the equilibrium position and moving to the right at 35.07 cm/s. The phase constant is -1.807 radians.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


An air-track glider attached to a spring oscillates with a period of 2.3 s. At t=0 s the glider is 3.09 cm left of the equilibrium position and moving to the right at 35.07 cm/s.
What is the phase constant? (in degrees)



Homework Equations



v0x= -wAsin(ro), x=Acos(ro)

The Attempt at a Solution


I divided v0x/x=wtan(ro). I solved for angular speed which was 2.73 rad/s. Now I solved for (ro) by taking tan inverse of (v/-wx). I received 73 as an answer and that's wrong. Would you please help me? Thank you.
 
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  • #2
Since you are to the left, you have to subtract 180. The anwser you came up with is to the right of the equilibrium point.
 
  • #3
I minus that by 180 so it's 107 but that's still wrong. What do you think is wrong?
 
  • #4
Did you get

[tex] r_{0} = \tan^{-1} \frac{35.07}{3.09 \cdot 2.73}? [/tex]
 
  • #5
yeah, I tried that as well which was 76.4751. Then I minus it from 180 so it's 103.525 but that's wrong.
 
  • #6
Both 76.47 and 76.47 - 180 have the same tangent. You can see by drawing a pic that the one we want is (76.47 - 180).

-103.5 degrees = -1.807 radians.
 
  • #7
is it because it's negative and the distance is negative?
 
  • #8
Also, in this case, is angular speed the same as velocity? If I wanted to find the phase at t=0 s would I just need to use wt+ro, w being the velocity?
 
  • #9
Yes, the cosine of 76.4 is positive, but the initial distance is negative.
 
  • #10
Oh sorry w=2.73. Sorry about that.
 
  • #11
No, angular speed and velocity are different. The angular speed is constant, while the velocity is changing.

v = -Aωsin(ωt + a0)
 
  • #12
ok, so for t=.5s I get -102.115 but that's wrong. All I did is wt+constant(-103.48). But that's wrong for some reason. Does the constant change at that time?
 
  • #13
Write -103.48 in radians.
 
  • #14
-1.80607 rad
 
  • #15
Do you get the right answer now? (I'm not sure what you're trying to calculate BTW, did you get the correct answer for the phase constant?)
 
  • #16
I got the correct answer for the phase constant but I'm trying the phase for t=.5s. Sorry for the confusion.
 
  • #17
Ok, so at t = 0.5, you have ωt + a0 = 2.73(0.5) - 1.806. This is in radians. If you want to convert it to degrees, multiply by 360/2pi.
 
  • #18
The question has several parts and it's asking me for the phase at t=.5s. I used the same formula but it's wrong. Could you please let me know what's wrong? thank you.
 
  • #19
Ok thank you very much for all your help. I greatly appreciate it.
 

1. How do you determine the phase constant in an air-track glider experiment?

In order to determine the phase constant in an air-track glider experiment, you will need to measure the distance the glider travels and the time it takes to travel that distance. Then, using the formula for simple harmonic motion (x = A sin(ωt + φ)), you can solve for the phase constant (φ) by plugging in your measured values for distance, time, and amplitude (A).

2. What factors can affect the accuracy of finding the phase constant in an air-track glider experiment?

There are several factors that can affect the accuracy of finding the phase constant in an air-track glider experiment. These include the precision of your measurements, external forces acting on the glider (such as air resistance), and any friction or imperfections in the air track or glider itself.

3. Can the phase constant change during an air-track glider experiment?

No, the phase constant should remain constant throughout the experiment as long as the conditions remain the same. Any changes in the phase constant could indicate external factors affecting the glider's motion or errors in measurement.

4. How can knowing the phase constant help in analyzing the motion of an air-track glider?

The phase constant is important in understanding the motion of an air-track glider because it determines the starting position of the glider at any given time. By knowing the phase constant, you can accurately predict the position of the glider at any point in time during its motion.

5. What is the significance of finding the phase constant in an air-track glider experiment?

Finding the phase constant is crucial in understanding and analyzing the motion of an air-track glider. It allows us to accurately predict the position of the glider at any given time and can also provide valuable insights into the properties of simple harmonic motion, such as amplitude and frequency.

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