Simple Harmonic Motion Equation with Period and Initial Conditions

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.
 
on Phys.org
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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