Matching Initial Position and Velocity of Oscillator

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the constants C and S for an oscillator's motion based on its initial position (x_0) and initial velocity (v_0) using angular frequency (omega). The equations provided include the position function x(t) = C*cos(omega*t) + S*sin(omega*t) and its derivative for velocity v(t). The key relationships established are C = x_0 and v_0 = S*omega, leading to the conclusion that S can be expressed as S = v_0/omega. The participants clarify the need to express C and S solely in terms of x_0, v_0, and omega.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of harmonic motion and oscillators
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their derivatives
  • Knowledge of initial conditions in physics
  • Basic calculus for differentiation of functions
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  • Study the derivation of solutions for simple harmonic motion
  • Learn about the role of angular frequency in oscillatory systems
  • Explore the relationship between position, velocity, and acceleration in oscillators
  • Investigate the implications of initial conditions on the behavior of oscillatory systems
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying mechanics and oscillatory motion, as well as educators looking to enhance their understanding of harmonic oscillators.

Linus Pauling
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1. Find C and S in terms of the initial position and velocity of the oscillator.
Give your answers in terms of x_0, v_0, and omega. Separate your answers with a comma.




2. x(t) = X_0 + v_0*t + 0.5at^2
x(t) = C*cos(omega*t) + S*sin(omega*t)




3. Taking the derivative of x(t):

v(t) = -C*omega*sin(omega*t) + S*omega*sin(omega*t)

Thus,

x_0 = C
v_0 = S*omega

How don't quite see how to solve for C and S in terms of x_0, v_0, and omega only.
 
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This is as good as I've gotten it:

C = [x_0 + v_0*t + 0.5at^2] / cos(omega*t)

S = [x_0(1-cos(omega*t)) + v_0*t + 0.5at^2] / sin(omega*t)
 

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