Particle Simple harmonic motion particle problem

In summary, for a particle in simple harmonic motion, the maximum velocity is equal to half of the average velocity over one cycle. This can be derived using the equations for velocity and amplitude, and determining the average speed by dividing the total distance traveled in one period by the period itself.
  • #1
<3Science
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Homework Statement



For a particle in simple harmonic motion, show that vmax = (pi/2) vaverage, where vaverage is the average speed during one cycle of the motion.

Homework Equations



v(t) = -vmaxsin(wt + phi)
vmax = 2piA/ T = wA

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm really not sure at all how to start this, but I am guessing there really wouldn't be a numerical value just theory based?
 
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  • #2


<3Science said:
I'm really not sure at all how to start this, but I am guessing there really wouldn't be a numerical value just theory based?
Normally I would insist that show more of your efforts first, but this one gave me a little trouble at the beginning too.

To start with, determine the average speed over one period. The only tricky part is figuring out what "average speed" really means. The average velocity is zero, so that certainly doesn't help. It's also not the root mean square (rms) velocity. Don't go that way.

To find the average speed, first determine the total distance the object travels in one period (not to be confused with displacement). It's a simple function of the amplitude A in,
x = Acos(ωt + Φ). But don't over-think it. How many As are traversed during a single period? Once you have the total distance, divide that by the period T. That's the average speed.
 

What is simple harmonic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion where an object oscillates back and forth around an equilibrium point, with a restoring force that is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium point. This type of motion can be found in systems such as a mass-spring system, a pendulum, or a vibrating string.

What is a particle in simple harmonic motion?

A particle in simple harmonic motion refers to an object that is undergoing simple harmonic motion. It is a point-like object with mass, and its motion is governed by the laws of simple harmonic motion.

What is the equation for simple harmonic motion?

The equation for simple harmonic motion is x = A*cos(ωt + φ), where x is the displacement of the particle from the equilibrium point, A is the amplitude of the motion, ω is the angular frequency, and φ is the phase constant. This equation can also be expressed in terms of velocity and acceleration as v = -ωA*sin(ωt + φ) and a = -ω^2A*cos(ωt + φ) respectively.

How do you solve a simple harmonic motion particle problem?

To solve a simple harmonic motion particle problem, you need to gather all the given information, such as the initial conditions, the mass of the particle, and the properties of the system. Then, you can use the equations of motion to find the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the particle at any given time. It is also helpful to plot the motion on a position-time graph to visualize the behavior of the particle.

What factors affect the period of a simple harmonic motion particle?

The period of a simple harmonic motion particle is affected by the mass of the particle, the spring constant of the system, and the amplitude of the motion. The period is directly proportional to the mass and the amplitude, and inversely proportional to the spring constant. This means that a heavier particle or a larger amplitude will result in a longer period, while a stiffer spring will result in a shorter period.

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