Calculating Period of Oscillations - Graph with x and t Coordinates

  • Thread starter Soaring Crane
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Oscillations
In summary, the conversation discusses a graph resembling the cosine function with the x-axis representing x and the y-axis representing t. The coordinates of point R are (0, 0.12) and the coordinates of point K are (0.005, 0). The question is what is the period T of the oscillations and how to find the value of "a" in the equation a*T = 0.005 s. Suggestions are given, including using kinematics, but it is determined that this is not the correct approach. Clarification is requested on the position of R and K on the graph, and the answer is eventually obtained.
  • #1
Soaring Crane
469
0
A graph resembling that of cos(x) is presented in which x is the vert. axis and t is the horizontal axis. Assume that the x coordinate of point R is 0.12 , and the t coordinate of point K is 0.0050.

So . . .
R = (0 , 0.12 m)
K = (.005 s ,0)

What is the period T of oscillations?

I know that a*T = .005 s, where T is the period and a is the fraction of a full wavelength covered over this interval. What is a so I can get T?

Thanks for any hints.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Have you tried using kinematics? You might be able to use the formula d = vit+ ½ at² to find "a" if you mean "a" as in 'acceleration'.
 
  • #3
ms. confused said:
Have you tried using kinematics? You might be able to use the formula d = vit+ ½ at² to find "a" if you mean "a" as in 'acceleration'.

That wouldn't be the right way to do it.

Soaring Crane, you haven't sufficiently described the figure.

Is R at the topmost point (like it would be for cosx) ?
And is K the point where the curve first intersects the t-axis ?
Or are they somethings else ?

Code:
R?
*   *
|        *
|           *
|____________ *K?____
|              *
 
  • #4
Thanks, got the answer.
 

1. What are oscillations?

Oscillations are repetitive back-and-forth motions around a central equilibrium point.

2. What causes oscillations?

Oscillations can be caused by a variety of factors, including external forces, such as gravity or friction, or internal forces, such as elasticity or inertia.

3. What are some examples of oscillations?

Some common examples of oscillations include a swing moving back and forth, a pendulum swinging, or a spring bouncing up and down.

4. How are oscillations measured?

Oscillations can be measured by tracking the period, frequency, and amplitude of the motion. The period is the time it takes for one full cycle of the oscillation, the frequency is the number of cycles per second, and the amplitude is the maximum displacement from the equilibrium point.

5. What are the applications of oscillations?

Oscillations have many practical applications in various fields, including engineering, physics, and biology. They are used in designing structures, creating sound waves, and studying biological processes, among others.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
776
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
922
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
40
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
26
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
38
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
1K
Back
Top