How Do You Calculate Period and Frequency of a Harmonic Oscillator?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the period of a harmonic oscillator that completes four vibrations in 11.5 seconds, divide the total time by the number of cycles, resulting in a period of 2.875 seconds. The frequency is then found by taking the inverse of the period, yielding approximately 0.348 Hz. The angular frequency can be calculated using the formula ω = 2π/T, which gives about 2.18 radians per second. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly interpreting the total time as related to the number of cycles to derive the period and frequency accurately. Overall, the calculations confirm the relationships between period, frequency, and angular frequency for harmonic motion.
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Hi everyone,

Could someone please help me with this problem?

Homework Statement



A simple harmonic oscillator takes 11.5s to undergo four complete vibrations.

a. Find the period of its motion
b. Find the frequency in Hertz
c. Find the angular frequency in radians per second

Homework Equations



ω=2pi(f)
ω=spi/T
f=ω/2pi

t=1/f

The Attempt at a Solution



a. ω=2pi/11.5=.546
f=.546/2pi=.858
t=1/f=1.166

b. f=.858

c. ω=.546

Thank you very much
 
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Nope, doesn't look right.

So in order to go back and forth 4 times, it takes 11.5s, right? Your "period" is how long it takes to do this once.

Secondly, frequency in Hz is f = 1/T

Lastly, your angular frequency is w = (2*pi)/T
 
Thank you very much

Could you please explain to me how to find one of these? Once I can find one, I can find the others. It seems like there isn't enough information given, because the 11.5 s is not used in any of the equations, right?

Thank you
 
your period is 11.5s divided by 4, i think

once you'be found your period, do the inverse to get your frequency

divide frequency by 2pi, multiply by 60s to get rad/s

i think i am correct, try it
 
Thank you very much

Isn't 11.5 just the time or is that also the period?

Thank you
 
no i think the problems means that it makes 4 cycles in 11.5 seconds, so a period equals the time of one cycle, so in order to find period from the given time, divide time by 4. try it.

did it work out correctly?
 
Yes, that was correct

Thank you very much

Regards
 
no worries, glad to help
 
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