Position of an oscillating object

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the motion of an object oscillating on an ideal spring, described by a cosine function. The original poster seeks to determine the object's velocity and acceleration at a specific time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the velocity and acceleration using derivatives of the position function but reports discrepancies in their results compared to expected values. Some participants question the accuracy of the original poster's calculations and suggest checking for errors.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing potential errors in calculations and assumptions. Guidance has been offered regarding the mode of the calculator, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses urgency due to an upcoming test and mentions a typo in the position equation, which may have contributed to confusion. There is an emphasis on not wanting to guess solutions.

ChloeYip
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Homework Statement



The position of an object that is oscillating on an ideal spring is given by the equation x =
(12.3 cm) cos[(1.26s-1)t]. At time t = 0.815 s,
(a) how fast is the object moving?
(b) what is the magnitude of the acceleration of the object?

Homework Equations


As follow

The Attempt at a Solution


dx/dt = -12.3*(1.26)sin(1.26*.815) = -0.2777 cm/s but the answer is -13.3cm/sec
dx^2/dt^2= -12.3*(1.26)^2*cos(1.26*.815) = -19.524 cm/s^2 but the answer is -10.1cm/sec^2

I have only little time before test.hope there is someone help me soon.tell me what's wrong with it.
(Please don't ask me to guess... i m not good at that and i really have not time left...)
Thank you very much for helping me
 
Physics news on Phys.org
##12.3 \ne 1.23## for one thing.
 
Thanks for reminding
Thats only multiple of 10, still canet get the answer
Also, the calculated answer is not affect by this typo
Sorry for typo
 
Make sure your calculator is in radian mode.
 
Ahhh yes
Thanksssssss
 

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