Simple harmonic motion derivative of position function

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing the simple harmonic motion of a body described by the function x = (7.4 m) cos[(5π rad/s)t + π/5 rad]. Participants are tasked with finding various parameters such as displacement, velocity, acceleration, phase, frequency, and period at a specific time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss substituting the time variable into the position function and taking derivatives to find velocity and acceleration. There are questions about potential errors in calculations and whether calculators are set to the correct mode.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations for displacement, velocity, and acceleration, noting discrepancies in results. There is an acknowledgment of a possible issue with calculator settings affecting the outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the amount of guidance provided. There is an emphasis on ensuring correct mathematical procedures and assumptions regarding the use of radians versus degrees.

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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[itex]\pi[/itex]t+[itex]\frac{\pi}{5}[/itex])*5[itex]\pi[/itex]
v(6.2)= -115 m/s

a(t)= -7.4cos(5[itex]\pi[/itex]t+[itex]\frac{\pi}{5}[/itex])*5[itex]\pi[/itex]*5[itex]\pi[/itex]
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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