Simple Harmonic Motion position and velocity problem

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a particle undergoing simple harmonic motion along the x-axis, with given initial conditions of position, velocity, and acceleration. Participants are tasked with determining the position and velocity of the particle after a specified time interval.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of equations related to simple harmonic motion, including the relationship between position, velocity, and acceleration. There are attempts to derive the amplitude and frequency from the given data, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the number of unknowns in their equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided equations and methods for analyzing the motion, while others question the assumptions made about the initial conditions, such as whether the particle is at maximum displacement at the start. There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to the problem without a clear consensus on the best method.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of having multiple unknowns in their equations, specifically the amplitude and time, which complicates the analysis. There is also a mention of the need for clarity on the initial conditions and their implications for the motion of the particle.

madchemist
Messages
67
Reaction score
0
"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...
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
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:
[tex]x = A\sin(\omega t + \phi)[/tex]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
4K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
996
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K