Simple harmonic motion, finding displacement given time

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving for displacement in simple harmonic motion using the equation x(t) = (7.40cm)cos[(4.16s^-1)t - 2.42]. The user, working with a mass of 1.8kg, encountered difficulties in calculating the position at t = 1.00s, initially obtaining incorrect values of -0.01 and 0.074. After revisiting the calculations and focusing on significant figures, the correct displacement was determined to be -0.0125m. This highlights the importance of precision in unit conversions and significant figures in physics problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion principles
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their applications in physics
  • Ability to perform unit conversions, particularly from centimeters to meters
  • Knowledge of significant figures and their importance in scientific calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the simple harmonic motion equation
  • Learn about the role of significant figures in physics calculations
  • Explore the effects of varying parameters in harmonic motion equations
  • Practice solving similar problems involving displacement, velocity, and acceleration in simple harmonic motion
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and simple harmonic motion, as well as educators seeking to reinforce concepts related to displacement and unit conversions.

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Homework Statement



mass = 1.8kg
given equation in problem x(t) = (7.40cm)cos[(4.16s^-1)t - 2.42]
*when i tried solving i converted 7.40cm to 0.074m

find the position of the mass at t = 1.00s

Homework Equations



x(t) = (7.40cm)cos[(4.16s^-1)t - 2.42]

The Attempt at a Solution



i've been working on this problem for a while, i haven't been able to get the correct answer, even when i made sure to check units and make necessary unit conversions. i made sure my units were in radians (within the cosine) but it keeps yielding the wrong answer, i was able to find velocity and acceleration from the given equation, just not position.

i thought this problem would be just plug and chug, when i stuck t=1.00s it still hasn't given me the correct answer, i got -0.01 and 0.074, both were incorrect

thanks
 
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EDIT sorry for double posting - actually was kinda correct the first time, it was just very picky with sig figs, i initially entered -0.01 which was incorrect, the actual answer was -0.0125
 

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