Is my graph of Ep/J against t/s for an oscillating object correct?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the graph of potential energy (Ep) against time (t) for an oscillating object, specifically in the context of simple harmonic motion. Participants are evaluating the correctness of a submitted graph based on the relationship between potential energy and height.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the mathematical relationship between potential energy and height in oscillatory motion, referencing equations of simple harmonic motion. There are questions about the accuracy of the graph's amplitude and its representation of potential energy over time.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing evaluation of the graph's accuracy, with some participants suggesting that while the shape may be correct, the values on the y-axis need clarification. Multiple interpretations of the graph's characteristics are being explored, particularly regarding its position relative to the x-axis.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original problem did not specify exact amplitude requirements for the graph, leading to differing opinions on how the potential energy should be represented in relation to the mean position of the oscillating object.

inv
Messages
46
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Picture004.jpg

Picture005.jpg

Hi,the question is draw a graph of E_{p} against t/s of the oscillating motion above,I've done it and have no exact answer in my hand,hoping some ppl to double check my answer that's all.My answer is here below

Homework Equations


E_{p}=mgh , where E_{p} is potential energy,m=mass,g=gravitational pull,h=height


The Attempt at a Solution


q.jpg

Correct?!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
You see, Ep=mgx, where x is the height of the end of the strip. Now, since the motion is simple harmonic (from the graph), x=A sin(wt) (equation of shm), therefore, Ep=mgA sin(wt), which can be rewritten as Ep=B sin(wt), where B is a constant (mgA). From this it seems that your solution is incorrect... The graph will look like fig 4.3, but the amplitude will be different...
 
Well I've drawn my amplitude all above x-axis as the E_{p} starts from 0-origin,then increases to max then back to zero again,forming a sinusoidal wave type pattern.The graph requested didn't put a requirement to be exact in amplitude.How different u mean?
 
Different as in, taking the potential when the rod is at the mean position to be zero, the graph should be above and below the curve.
 
your answer is correct but what people are saying that u are missing the values on the y axis, they are not the same values as on the first graph,
but the shape of the curve is correct,

because the starting point is 0, no it does not go above and below the x axis
 
Hey thanks a bunch!Solved!**
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
14K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K