Simple Harmonic Motion Phase angle

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the initial phase angle of a graph representing simple harmonic motion (SHM). Participants express uncertainty about how to extract this information from the graph itself, despite having some familiarity with relevant equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to relate the phase angle to the graph's characteristics, questioning whether it can be determined visually. Others reference external resources and express confusion about the theoretical aspects of SHM.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing resources and seeking clarification on how to interpret the graph. There is a recognition of the need for further understanding of the relationship between the phase angle and the graph's appearance.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention having limited experience with the theory of simple harmonic motion and express difficulty in understanding previous discussions on the forum regarding phase angles.

Jimmy84
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Homework Statement


What is the initial phase angle of this graph that describes a simple harmonic motion?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I don't have any clue about how to find it by watching the graph, I know only an equation to find it. Any help please.
 

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Jimmy84 said:

Homework Statement


What is the phase angle of this graph that describes a simple harmonic motion?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I don't have any clue about how to find it by watching the graph, I know only an equation to find it. Any help please.

I did a quick google search for "phase angle of shm" and the first site offered gave a good lead ... equation 510.
Any of the other offereings may have been just as useful.
Many were to other questions about phase angle here on Physics Forums in fact.
 
PeterO said:
I did a quick google search for "phase angle of shm" and the first site offered gave a good lead ... equation 510.
Any of the other offereings may have been just as useful.
Many were to other questions about phase angle here on Physics Forums in fact.

Do you mean this http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/301/lectures/node138.html ? I already read them but i just started reading the theory about Simple Harmonic Motion yesterday and I am a bit lost with it so is there any way to find the angle just by inspection of the graph? I didnt understand much of the previous posts about the subject on the forum
 
Jimmy84 said:
Do you mean this http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/301/lectures/node138.html ? I already read them but i just started reading the theory about Simple Harmonic Motion yesterday and I am a bit lost with it so is there any way to find the angle just by inspection of the graph? I didnt understand much of the previous posts about the subject on the forum

That's the one.

I was particularly taken by the sentence before equation :

"Finally, the phase angle phi determines the times at which the oscillation attains its maximum amplitude, x=a: in fact"

If the phase angle was zero, then maximum amplitude would be happening then - so the graph of displacement vs time must look like a Cosine gragh.

A phase angle will translate the graph. Your graph is certainly translated. can you see by how much?
 

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