Simple Harmonic motion (non-calculus)

AI Thread Summary
Atoms in a solid vibrate around equilibrium positions, with a typical frequency of 2 E12 Hz and an amplitude of 1.1 E-11 m. The maximum speed of an atom was initially calculated as 88 m/s, but the correct value is 140 m/s, which can be derived using energy relations instead of average velocity. For maximum acceleration, the relationship a = ω²A is recommended, where ω is derived from the spring constant and mass. The confusion arose from using kinematic equations meant for constant acceleration, which is not applicable in simple harmonic motion (SHM). The discussion emphasizes the importance of using appropriate formulas for SHM to avoid miscalculations.
suwarna07
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Homework Statement


Atoms in a solid are not stationary, but vibrate about their equilibrium positions. Typically, the frequency of vibration is about f = 2 E12 Hz and the amplitude is about 1.1 E-11m. For a typical atom, what is its (a) maximum speed?

Homework Equations


T= 1/f.
v = change in displacement/ change in time

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the period which is 1/f. For T i got 5 E -13.
We know the maximum speed is at its equilibrium position.
So, to find the time taken from the highest point (A) to equilibrium point, I divided T/4 which is 1.25 E -13.
Finally, to find velocity I divided 1.25 E-13 (change in time) by 1.1 E-11 (change in displacement or Amplitude) and i got 88 m/s.
BUT the correct answer is 140 m/s.

Can someone tell me what did i do wrong in here? AND this is non-calculus based physics course.
 
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it's more simple if you use energy relation.

for maximum velocity, you can equate ME = KE or \frac{1}{2}k A^2 = \frac{1}{2}m v^2.

use relation \omega ^2 = \frac{k}{m} and you will get your velocity to about 140m/s
 
lepton5 said:
it's more simple if you use energy relation.

for maximum velocity, you can equate ME = KE or \frac{1}{2}k A^2 = \frac{1}{2}m v^2.

use relation \omega ^2 = \frac{k}{m} and you will get your velocity to about 140m/s

ohh yea thank you so much and is there any way we can find the max acceleration too?
 
suwarna07 said:

Homework Statement


Finally, to find velocity I divided 1.25 E-13 (change in time) by 1.1 E-11 (change in displacement or Amplitude) and i got 88 m/s.
BUT the correct answer is 140 m/s.

Can someone tell me what did i do wrong in here? AND this is non-calculus based physics course.

It is worth noting (so that you can avoid doing this again in future problems) that your method gives you the average velocity. If acceleration were a constant, the maximum speed would be twice the average. But, as you subsequent post males clear, acceleration is changing.
 
Fewmet said:
It is worth noting (so that you can avoid doing this again in future problems) that your method gives you the average velocity. If acceleration were a constant, the maximum speed would be twice the average. But, as you subsequent post males clear, acceleration is changing.

ohh i see! anyway i can find the max acceleration too?
 
you can find acceleration just using simple kinematic eqn, that relate Vmax, Vmin, a, t.
 
lepton5 said:
you can find acceleration just using simple kinematic eqn, that relate Vmax, Vmin, a, t.

whats the time tho?
 
time t (period / 4) to reach max velocity from min velocity.
 
lepton5 said:
time t (period / 4) to reach max velocity from min velocity.

so the period is 1/f = 5 E-13
5E-13/ 4 = 1.25E-13

v1 = v0 + at ( i thought we were suppose to use this only when the a is constant but anyway

138 = a(1.25 E-13)
a = 1.1 E 15

but the answer key says that the answer should be 1.7 E 15... so i am wondering is the answer close enough or is something wrong?
 
  • #10
suwarna07 said:
so the period is 1/f = 5 E-13
5E-13/ 4 = 1.25E-13

v1 = v0 + at ( i thought we were suppose to use this only when the a is constant but anyway

138 = a(1.25 E-13)
a = 1.1 E 15

but the answer key says that the answer should be 1.7 E 15... so i am wondering is the answer close enough or is something wrong?

sory my bad, mix it up with kinematics.

you should you use a (acceleration) for SHM, that is a = \omega ^2 A
 
  • #11
lepton5 said:
sory my bad, mix it up with kinematics.

you should you use a (acceleration) for SHM, that is a = \omega ^2 A

cool now i got it.
tx a lot for helping me man
 
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