Simple Harmonic Motion Differential Equation

1. Oct 1, 2008

Matuku

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A particle of mass m moves in one dimension under the action of a force given by -kx where x is the displacement of the body at time t, and k is a positive constant. Using F=ma write down a differential equation for x, and verify that its solution is x=Acos($$\omega$$t+$$\phi$$), where $$\omega$$2=k/m (omega squared, that is). If the body starts from rest at the point x=A at time t=0, find an expression for x at later times.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
I think the differential equation they're looking for is,
a=-kx/m

As a=d2x/dt2

But from here I can't see where to go; integration of course leads to the wrong formula.

2. Oct 1, 2008

Kurdt

Staff Emeritus
You have the differential equation so just substitute the solution in and show that both sides are equal.

3. Oct 1, 2008

Matuku

So differentiate the solution given to us to get it in terms of acceleration and then just compare that with the a=-kx/m?

4. Oct 1, 2008

Kurdt

Staff Emeritus
Thats correct.

5. Oct 1, 2008

Matuku

I'm sorry I'm still sightly confused; I now have:

$$a=-A\omega^{2}cos(\omega t+\phi)=\frac{-kx}{m}$$

Which implies that $$x=Acos(\omega t+\phi)$$ but doesn't really show why? Is this what you intended or am I missing something?

6. Oct 1, 2008

Kurdt

Staff Emeritus
You're also told what omega is in the question, and you haven't substituted for x on the right hand side.

7. Oct 1, 2008

Matuku

Oh of course it is! We're told what x is!