Simple Harmonic Motion Guitar String Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to simple harmonic motion, specifically concerning the oscillation of a guitar string. The original poster presents a question about calculating the maximum speed and acceleration at the midpoint of the string, given its amplitude and frequency.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the maximum speed and expresses uncertainty regarding the maximum acceleration, questioning whether the displacement at the midpoint should be considered as zero. Other participants clarify the distinction between the midpoint along the string and the midpoint of the oscillation, suggesting that the amplitude is not the same as the displacement at a given time.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the definitions and interpretations of terms used in the problem. Clarifications have been offered regarding the meaning of "midpoint" and the relationship between amplitude and displacement, indicating a productive dialogue without a clear consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the definitions of terms and the setup of the problem, particularly concerning the interpretation of the midpoint in relation to oscillation and displacement. The original poster has also noted a previous posting error, which may have contributed to the discussion's complexity.

Apothem
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Homework Statement


Question: "The midpoint of a guitar string oscillates with an amplitude of 2.24mm with a frequency of 400Hz. Calculate:
i) The maximum speed at this point
ii) The maximum acceleration of the string at this point"

Homework Equations


Suitable formulas: x=Asin(2*pi*f*t) ; a=-(2*pi*f)2(x) ; v=(2*pi*f)(A)
where A= amplitude/m ; f=frequency/Hz ; t=time/s

The Attempt at a Solution


Attempted Solution:
I think I am alright with part i) I did: v=(2*pi*400)*(2.24x10-3)=5.6ms-1

However for part ii) I am a bit unsure, do I take x to be the amplitude, but at the midpoint would x not be 0, so the acceleration is 0 ms-2?

(I originally posted this in the wrong section, and reposted it in the correct section, sorry if I should not have reposted it in a new section)
 
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Your formulas under 2. are just for the displacement ##x## of a single point on the strong. There's no notion of the "midpoint" or any other point (think of the rest position of the point on the string as ##y##).
 
olivermsun said:
Your formulas under 2. are just for the displacement ##x## of a single point on the strong. There's no notion of the "midpoint" or any other point (think of the rest position of the point on the string as ##y##).

Sorry, I am unsure on what you mean. I understand your first point, just not about the midpoint.
 
Apothem said:
Question: "The midpoint of a guitar string oscillates with an amplitude of 2.24mm with a frequency of 400Hz. Calculate:
i) The maximum speed at this point
ii) The maximum acceleration of the string at this point"
...
However for part ii) I am a bit unsure, do I take x to be the amplitude, but at the midpoint would x not be 0, so the acceleration is 0 ms-2?
Maybe I misunderstood what you posted earlier, but I think there is some confusion between the "midpoint" along the string (where x(t), v(t), and a(t) are given) and the "midpoint" of the oscillation (the rest position of the point, or where x=0).
 
olivermsun said:
Maybe I misunderstood what you posted earlier, but I think there is some confusion between the "midpoint" along the string (where x(t), v(t), and a(t) are given) and the "midpoint" of the oscillation (the rest position of the point, or where x=0).
Yes, clearly the question means midpoint along the length of the string. It does look like Apothem has misinterpreted it as midpoint of oscillation.
Apothem, x is not the amplitude, it is the displacement at time t. The amplitude is the maximum displacement.
 

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