How Do You Derive Equations for Position and Velocity in Simple Harmonic Motion?

In summary, the problem involves an object in simple harmonic motion with initial position, velocity, and acceleration. The position and velocity equations can be written as x(t) = xi cos(omega * t) + (vi / (omega) )*sin (omega * t) and v(t) = - xi (omega)sin(omega * t) + vi*cos(omega * t). Additionally, it can be shown that v^2 - ax = vi^2 - aixi = (omega)^2A^2 by substituting initial conditions into the displacement and velocity equations.
  • #1
swatikiss
6
0
I am confused by the following problem. Any help / hints would be greatly appreciated! I understand that the velocity equation is the derivative of the position function... i just don't understand how to derive these first / last equations. :bugeye: THANKS!

The initial position and initial velocity of an object moving in simple harmonic motion are xi, vi, and ai; the angular frequency of oscillation is (omega).

a) Show that the position and velocity of the object for all time can be written as:

x(t) = xi cos(omega * t) + (vi / (omega) )*sin (omega * t)

v(t) = - xi (omega)sin(omega * t) + vi*cos(omega * t)

b) If the amplitude of the motion is A, show that

v^2 - ax = vi^2 - aixi = (omega)^2A^2
 
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  • #2
Here's a hint. Consider the substitution of initial conditions in the solutions for displacement and velocity.
 
  • #3



a) To derive the position equation, we start with the general equation for simple harmonic motion: x(t) = A*cos(omega * t + phi), where A is the amplitude and phi is the phase constant. We can rewrite this equation as x(t) = A*cos(omega * t)*cos(phi) - A*sin(omega * t)*sin(phi). Since we know that at t=0, the position is xi, we can substitute this value in for x(t) and solve for cos(phi):

x(0) = A*cos(0)*cos(phi) - A*sin(0)*sin(phi) = xi

cos(phi) = xi/A

Similarly, we can find the value of sin(phi) by using the initial velocity, vi, at t=0:

v(0) = -A*omega*sin(0)*cos(phi) + A*omega*cos(0)*sin(phi) = vi

sin(phi) = vi/(A*omega)

Substituting these values back into the general equation, we get:

x(t) = A*cos(omega * t)*xi/A - A*sin(omega * t)*vi/(A*omega)
x(t) = xi*cos(omega * t) - (vi/omega)*sin(omega * t)

For the velocity equation, we can use the fact that the derivative of cos(omega * t) is -omega*sin(omega * t) and the derivative of sin(omega * t) is omega*cos(omega * t). So we have:

v(t) = -xi*omega*sin(omega * t) - (vi/omega)*omega*cos(omega * t)
v(t) = -xi*omega*sin(omega * t) + vi*cos(omega * t)

b) We can use the position equation to find the acceleration (since a = -omega^2*x) and substitute it into the equation for kinetic energy (KE = 1/2*m*v^2). We get:

KE = 1/2*m*(-xi*omega^2*sin(omega * t) + 2*vi*omega*cos(omega * t) - vi^2)
KE = 1/2*m*(xi*omega^2*sin(omega * t) + vi^2 - vi^2)
KE = 1/2*m*
 

Related to How Do You Derive Equations for Position and Velocity in Simple Harmonic Motion?

1. What is harmonic motion?

Harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion in which an object moves back and forth around a central equilibrium point. It is characterized by a repeating pattern of motion, with the object's displacement, velocity, and acceleration following a sinusoidal curve.

2. What is an example of harmonic motion?

An example of harmonic motion is a mass attached to a spring and oscillating up and down. Another example is a pendulum swinging back and forth.

3. How do you solve a harmonic motion problem?

To solve a harmonic motion problem, you can use the equations of motion for simple harmonic motion, which are x = A*cos(ωt), v = -A*ω*sin(ωt), and a = -A*ω^2*cos(ωt). A is the amplitude, ω is the angular frequency, t is time, x is displacement, v is velocity, and a is acceleration.

4. What is the difference between simple harmonic motion and damped harmonic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is a type of motion where there is no external force acting on the object, while damped harmonic motion is when there is an external force, such as friction, acting on the object. This results in a decrease in amplitude over time in damped harmonic motion.

5. How is harmonic motion related to energy?

Harmonic motion is related to energy through the conservation of energy principle. In simple harmonic motion, the total mechanical energy (potential energy + kinetic energy) remains constant. In damped harmonic motion, however, energy is gradually lost due to external forces.

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