Simple Harmonic Motion Discrepancy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of a body undergoing simple harmonic motion described by the equation x = 5 sin(πt + π/3) meters. The correct method involves finding the second derivative of the displacement function, resulting in a formula for acceleration a = -25π² sin(πt + π/3). At t = 1 second, the acceleration computes to approximately 3.6 m/s² when using radians, correcting the initial error caused by the calculator being in degree mode.

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  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion principles
  • Knowledge of calculus, specifically differentiation
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their derivatives
  • Ability to convert between radians and degrees
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Homework Statement



A body oscillates with simple harmonic motion along the x-axis. Its displacement varies with time according to the equation x = 5 sin(πt + π/3) meters. The acceleration in m/s2 of the body at t = 1 second is approximately


Homework Equations


The harmonic motion ones I guess.


The Attempt at a Solution



I don't think I have done anything wrong. Since acceleration is d2x/dt2, i found the second derivative of the equation given which is a=(-pi)^2)*(5)(sin(pi*t + (pi/3)). I plug in 1 for t and get approximately 3.6. If the answer was 3.5 and lower i would just round down, but I am not sure.

my answer choices are 3, 49, 14, 43 and 4.3.
 
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never mind, my calculator was in degree mode, not radian.
 

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