Simple Harmonic Motion position and velocity problem

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The discussion focuses on calculating the position and velocity of a particle undergoing simple harmonic motion (SHM) over a time interval of 4.50 seconds. Initial conditions include a position of 0.270 m, a velocity of 0.140 m/s, and an acceleration of -0.320 m/s². The frequency was determined to be approximately 0.1734 Hz, but participants noted challenges in solving for amplitude and time. The equations for position and velocity were derived using trigonometric functions, leading to a calculated position of 0.050 m at the end of the time interval. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly setting up the equations based on initial conditions to solve for unknowns in SHM.
madchemist
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"A particle moves along the x-axis. It is initially at the position 0.270 m, moving with velocity 0.140 m/s and acceleration -0.320 m/s^2. Assume it moves with simple harmonic motion for 4.50 s and x=0 is its equilibrium position. Find its position and velocity at the end of this time interval."


x=Amplitude * cos2(pi)ft

Found f using T= radical (x/a) * 2pi = 5.769 so f= 0.1734 Hz

However, even with solving for f I'm still left with two unknowns, i.e. A and t. Please help...
 
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You are given data for the initial postion, velocity, and acceleration. Set up equations for each. That will allow you to solve for the amplitude and phase.
 
madchemist said:
"A particle moves along the x-axis. It is initially at the position 0.270 m, moving with velocity 0.140 m/s and acceleration -0.320 m/s^2. Assume it moves with simple harmonic motion for 4.50 s and x=0 is its equilibrium position. Find its position and velocity at the end of this time interval."


x=Amplitude * cos2(pi)ft

Found f using T= radical (x/a) * 2pi = 5.769 so f= 0.1734 Hz

However, even with solving for f I'm still left with two unknowns, i.e. A and t. Please help...

This is how I've done it quickly...

x(t) = Bsin[2pi.f.t] + Acos[2pi.f.t] NB because at t=0, x=0.27 you can ignore the sin part
x(t) = Acos[2pi.f.t]
v(t) = -A.2pi.f.sin[2pi.f.t] (Diffrentiated once x(t) with respect to t)
a(t) = -A.(2pi.f)^2.cos[2pi.f.t] (Diffrentiated twice x(t) with respect to t)

x(t=0) = Acos[2pi.f.0]
x(t=0) = A (cos(0) = 0)
A = 0.27

a(t=0) = -0.27.(2pi.f)^2.cos[2pi.f.0]
a(t=0) = -0.27.(2pi.f)^2 (cos(0) = 0)
-0.320 = -0.27.(2pi.f)^2
f = sqrt[0.320/(0.27.(2.pi)^2)]
f = 0.173

x(t) = 0.27.cos[2pi.0.173.t]
x(t=4.5) = 0.27.cos[2pi.0.173.4.5]
x(t=4.5) = 0.050m

Dont quote me though its a while since I've done SHM
 
Cynapse said:
This is how I've done it quickly...

x(t) = Bsin[2pi.f.t] + Acos[2pi.f.t] NB because at t=0, x=0.27 you can ignore the sin part
x(t) = Acos[2pi.f.t]
v(t) = -A.2pi.f.sin[2pi.f.t] (Diffrentiated once x(t) with respect to t)
a(t) = -A.(2pi.f)^2.cos[2pi.f.t] (Diffrentiated twice x(t) with respect to t)

x(t=0) = Acos[2pi.f.0]
x(t=0) = A (cos(0) = 0)
A = 0.27

Sanity check: Do you think that the particle is at maximum displacement at t = 0?

Better to start with this:
x = A\sin(\omega t + \phi)
 
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