Simple Harmonic Motion Equation with Period and Initial Conditions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a particle undergoing simple harmonic motion with a specified period and initial conditions. The original poster seeks to derive the position equation of the particle over time, given its initial displacement and velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the equations of motion for simple harmonic motion, calculating angular frequency and amplitude based on given parameters. They express confusion regarding the phase constant derived from initial conditions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with one suggesting the use of initial conditions to determine the phase constant. There is acknowledgment of a potential mistake in the calculation of the phase constant, prompting further clarification.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted emphasis on using radians for calculations, which may impact the interpretation of results. The original poster's reference to a specific value for the phase constant raises questions about the accuracy of their approach.

Ed Aboud
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Homework Statement


A particle moves with simple harmonic motion of period [tex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/tex]. Initially it is 8cm from the centre of motion and moving away from the centre with a speed of [tex]4 \sqrt{2}[/tex] cm/s.
Find an equation for the position of the particle in time t second.

Homework Equations


[tex]x = A \cos{ \omega t + \epsilon}[/tex]
[tex]v^2 = \omega^2 (A^2 - x^2)[/tex]
[tex]T = \frac{2 \pi}{\omega}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]T = \frac{2 \pi}{\omega}[/tex]
[tex]\omega = 4 rad s^-1[/tex]
[tex]v^2 = \omega^2 (A^2 - x^2)[/tex]
[tex]32 = 16(A^2 - 64)[/tex]
[tex]A = \sqrt{66}[/tex]
[tex]x = A \cos( \omega t + \epsilon)[/tex]
[tex]x = \sqrt{66}\cos(4t + \epsilon)[/tex]

The answer in the book is:
[tex]x = \sqrt{66}\cos(4t + .175)[/tex]

I don't understand where the .175 comes from.
Thanks for any help.
 
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Make use of the initial conditions at t = 0 to solve for the phase.
 
Thanks for helping.
So at t=0 x=8

[tex]8 = \sqrt{66}\cos(\epsilon)[/tex]
[tex]\cos(\epsilon) = \frac{8}{\sqrt{66}}[/tex]
[tex]\epsilon = \arccos\frac{8}{\sqrt{66}}[/tex]
[tex]\epsilon = 10.02498786[/tex]

Have I made a mistake somewhere?
 
Last edited:
Use radians, not degrees. :wink:
 
God, that is embarrassing ha.
Thanks very much.
 

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