Simple Harmonic Motion Acceleration Calculation and Equations

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the acceleration of an object in simple harmonic motion at t = 10.0 s, with the provided answer being 1.3X10-6 cm/s². The user is using the equations for acceleration but is confused about the parameters, particularly the mass and spring constant, which are necessary for the first equation. They correctly identify the position function as x(t) = x₀sin(ωt) and note that the sine function's argument leads to an acceleration of zero if the period is indeed 0.5 seconds. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly interpreting the parameters and the implications of the sine function in determining acceleration.
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Homework Statement


I have been stuck on this question for quite some time. I'm trying to study for the test and actually have the answer, but I can't figure it out. The answer is 1.3X10-6cm/s2
The following graph represents an object oscillating in simple harmonic motion. What is the
acceleration of the object at t = 10.0 s?
You can find the graph here http://rwdacad01.slcc.edu/academics/dept/physics/tvanausdal/2210/exams/sampleexam5.pdf and scroll down to number 9.
I'm assuming that T=.5 and A=20cm

Homework Equations


These are the equations I've been trying to use

a=\omega2x=-(\frac{k}{m})x
a=-(\frac{2pi}{T})2(Xo)sin(\frac{2pi*t}{T})

The Attempt at a Solution


I have tried to plug in numbers and read somewhere that Xo is amplitude, but that didn't work either. I don't know mass, so I don't know how to use the first equation, and I don't know how to find k. Anyways, I hope someone can give me a few pointers on what I am doing wrong and if the equation I am using is wrong or what equation I should use.
 
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First write down the position function.

x(t)=x_{0}sin(\omega t)

We use sine since, at t=0, the position is zero. Then differentiate twice with respect to time to get the acceleration.

The first equation, involving k/m, is not relevant here.
 
So was I right to put the amplitude in for xo and then for \omega what would I use to plug in for that, is it 2pi/T?
 
It seems to me that the answer should be zero, unless there is some discrepancy and the period is not actually half of a second. If the period was half a second then the argument of the sine function would be

\omega t=\frac{2 \pi}{T}t=4 \pi t= 40 \pi

the sine of which is zero. Since the second derivative of the position function given in my above post will be proportional to the sine function, acceleration should be zero.
 
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