Motion of a Particle in a Plane: A Quiz

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the motion of a particle in a plane, described by the parametric equations x=Acosωt and y=Asinωt. Participants are tasked with identifying the nature of the particle's motion based on these equations, which represent its position over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about how to approach the problem, seeking guidance on where to start. Others question the implications of the given equations and what path the particle might take over time, prompting discussions about the coordinates generated by varying time "t".

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their uncertainties and seeking foundational understanding of simple harmonic motion (SHM). Some have suggested looking into external resources for clarification, while others propose experimenting with specific values to visualize the particle's motion.

Contextual Notes

There are no equations provided for reference, and participants are working with the assumption that a basic understanding of SHM is necessary to tackle the problem effectively.

lobbob
Messages
10
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



If a particle moves in a plane so that its position is described by the functions
x=Acosωt, and y= Asinωt, it is
(A) moving with varying speed along a circle
(B) moving with constant speed along a circle
(C) moving with constant acceleration along a straight line
(D) moving along a parabola
(E) oscillating back and forth along a straight line

Homework Equations



None

The Attempt at a Solution



Don't understand the problem. I just need to know how to start it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
lobbob said:

Homework Statement



If a particle moves in a plane so that its position is described by the functions
x=Acosωt, and y= Asinωt, it is
(A) moving with varying speed along a circle
(B) moving with constant speed along a circle
(C) moving with constant acceleration along a straight line
(D) moving along a parabola
(E) oscillating back and forth along a straight line

Homework Equations



None

The Attempt at a Solution



Don't understand the problem. I just need to know how to start it.

Those two functions describe the x coordinate and the y coordinate at any (and every) time "t"

What path do you think the particle will move along and why?
(In other words, what are all the possible (x,y) coordinates for all the times "t"?)
 
lobbob said:
Don't understand the problem. I just need to know how to start it.
You probably won't succeed in answering this confidently without an understanding of SHM, as the question basically is testing your knowledge of the topic.

A good place to start might be here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_harmonic_motion
 
lobbob said:

Homework Statement



If a particle moves in a plane so that its position is described by the functions
x=Acosωt, and y= Asinωt, it is
(A) moving with varying speed along a circle
(B) moving with constant speed along a circle
(C) moving with constant acceleration along a straight line
(D) moving along a parabola
(E) oscillating back and forth along a straight line

Homework Equations



None

The Attempt at a Solution



Don't understand the problem. I just need to know how to start it.
Just plug in a few sample values and see what you get. Where is the particle when ##\omega t## is 0? When it is ##\pi / 2##? When ##\pi##? When ## 2 \pi##?
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K