Simple harmonic motion derivative of position function

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a simple harmonic motion problem defined by the function x = (7.4 m) cos[(5π rad/s)t + π/5 rad]. Participants are calculating displacement, velocity, acceleration, and phase at t = 6.2 s, as well as frequency and period. Issues arise with incorrect answers due to potential calculator settings, specifically whether it is in degree mode or radian mode. After troubleshooting, one participant realizes that their calculator was indeed set incorrectly, which resolved their confusion. The conversation highlights the importance of ensuring proper calculator settings when performing trigonometric calculations in physics.
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Homework Statement



The function
x = (7.4 m) cos[(5πrad/s)t + π/5 rad]
gives the simple harmonic motion of a body. At t = 6.2 s, what are the (a) displacement, (b) velocity, (c) acceleration, and (d) phase of the motion? Also, what are the (e) frequency and (f) period of the motion?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Hi! I understand that you're supposed to plug in your t into the position function, and then take the derivative and continue plugging in. I think I'm messing up the math somehow because I keep getting the wrong answer...

(7.4)cos(98.0177)= -0.1395
 
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So I went ahead and tried to derive the position function, and I feel like I did it correctly. However, I'm still getting incorrect answers when plugging in my t value.

v(t)= -7.4sin(5\pit+\frac{\pi}{5})*5\pi
v(6.2)= -115 m/s

a(t)= -7.4cos(5\pit+\frac{\pi}{5})*5\pi*5\pi
a(6.2)= -255 m/s2
 
For a) I'm getting -5.987 m.

For b) your derivative looks fine to me. I'm getting 68.324 m/s for the velocity though.

c) I'm getting -1825.880 m/s^2.

Is your calculator in degree mode perhaps?
 
Zondrina said:
For a) I'm getting -5.987 m.

For b) your derivative looks fine to me. I'm getting 68.324 m/s for the velocity though.

c) I'm getting -1825.880 m/s^2.

Is your calculator in degree mode perhaps?
Haha ohh, thanks so much! That was the problem :)
 
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