Simple harmonic motion and time

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the total distance traveled by a particle undergoing simple harmonic motion (SHM) between t = 0 and t = 0.75 seconds. The particle has an amplitude of 1.70 cm and a frequency of 2.00 Hz. To find the position x at a given time, the formula x(t) = A cos(wt + φ) is utilized, where w is the angular frequency and φ is the initial phase. The participants emphasize that calculations in SHM should be performed using radians, as using degrees yields different results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion (SHM)
  • Familiarity with angular frequency calculations
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions in radians
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving cosine and sine functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate angular frequency from frequency in SHM
  • Study the derivation and application of the SHM position formula x(t) = A cos(wt + φ)
  • Explore the implications of initial phase (φ) in SHM calculations
  • Practice converting between degrees and radians for trigonometric functions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and oscillatory motion, as well as educators teaching concepts of simple harmonic motion.

nemzy
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A particle moving along the x-axis in simple harmonic motion starts from its equilibrium position, the origin, at t = 0 and moves to the right. The amplitude of its motion is 1.70 cm and the frequency is 2.00 Hz.

Determine the total distance traveled between t = 0 and t = 0.75 s.

how would you solve this?

well i can easily solve for T, w, A, etc..

but how can i find the total distance traveled between those 2 points? is there an easy formula i am overlooking?

i hate oscillations
 
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HINT:
It's the difference between two values of "x".

Daniel.
 
i am still clueless?

what do u mean the diff bw the two values of x?

how can i find the value of x at a given time??

all i know is the amplitude...but that isn't a value of x is it?
 
You know the amplitude,the frequency,u can compute the initial phase...
You know everything...:wink:

Daniel.
 
What is the period of the motion? Knowing that will tell you whether the motion was all in one direction, in which case the problem is easy, or if you need to take into account one or more changes of direction.
 
do i use this formula to solve for x as a function of time?
x(t)= Acos(wt+&)

where w=angular frequency and &= initial phase?


in this case the t=the time right, not the period?

and...how do i know what & is?

when i have pi in cos or sin, do i use the radian or degree mode in my calc?

if i use radian or degree diff answers come out
 
I'm not an expert and am currently studying this now so if it don't make no sense disreguard it okay: so we have f=2 T=0.75 A=1.7

so we could use the equation (x=distance)
x = sin A (2π × f × t) so: sin 0.17 (2π × 2 × 0.75) = 1.59m

SHM is always done using radians
 

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