Is this simple harmonic motion?

AI Thread Summary
The displacement of a particle along the x-axis is given by x=A sin^2(wt), which is analyzed for simple harmonic motion (SHM). By applying the identity sin^2(wt)=(1-cos(2wt))/2, the equation is transformed to x=A/2 - A/2cos(2wt), indicating that the motion is indeed SHM. The time period is calculated as T=2π/w, resulting in T=π/w. Although the motion is SHM, the mean position is not at the origin. The analysis confirms the particle exhibits SHM characteristics despite the shifted mean position.
faiz4000
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Homework Statement



The displacement of a particle along x-axis given by x=A sin^2(wt), where the symbols have their usual meaning. Is the particle motion simple harmonic? also find its time period.


Homework Equations



simple harmonic eqn iss of the form x=Asin(wt) or x=acos(wt).


The Attempt at a Solution



using the identity sin^2(wt)=(1-cos(2wt))/2
x=A/2(1-cos(2wt)
then x=A/2-A/2cos(2wt)

here i get the time period using T=2pi/w as pi/w.
but i don't know whether its SHM or not.
thank you for ur help.
 
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faiz4000 said:


using the identity sin^2(wt)=(1-cos(2wt))/2
x=A/2(1-cos(2wt)
then x=A/2-A/2cos(2wt)



Here you have proved that is an SHM. Only the mean position is not at origin.
 
thanks.
 
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