Simple Harmonic motion (non-calculus)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of simple harmonic motion (SHM) as it relates to the vibrations of atoms in a solid. The original poster is attempting to calculate the maximum speed of an atom based on its frequency and amplitude of vibration, while also exploring the maximum acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of maximum speed using the period and amplitude, with some questioning the method used to derive the average velocity instead of the maximum velocity. Others suggest using energy relations to find maximum velocity and inquire about finding maximum acceleration.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different methods to calculate maximum speed and acceleration. Some participants have provided alternative approaches, while others are seeking clarification on their calculations and assumptions. The discussion reflects a mix of interpretations and attempts to reconcile differences in results.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is situated within a non-calculus based physics course, which influences the methods and equations discussed. There is also mention of the need to avoid confusion between average and maximum values in the context of SHM.

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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