Simple Harmonic Motion Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to simple harmonic motion, specifically involving the equation for position as a function of time. Participants are examining the calculations and assumptions made regarding the parameters of the motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the values used for amplitude and angular frequency in the equation. There is a focus on the calculations leading to an unexpectedly large time result, with requests for clarification on the algebraic steps taken to solve for time.

Discussion Status

Several participants are actively engaging in clarifying the original poster's calculations and assumptions. There is a productive exchange regarding the values of parameters and the algebraic manipulation of the equation, but no consensus has been reached on the correctness of the original poster's approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the assumption of the phase angle being zero and the specific values for amplitude and angular frequency provided in the original problem statement. There is an acknowledgment of potential algebraic errors affecting the results.

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Homework Statement


316m72x.png

Homework Equations



x = A cos(wt-phi)

The Attempt at a Solution



Using the above equation for t, calculating values for t1 at -0.05 and t2 at 0.05, as well as assuming phase angle phi is zero, I get an answer of over 40 seconds.

I think I may be using the wrong equation or perhaps assuming the value of phi incorrectly. Help is appreciated.
 
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What values are you using for that equation (i.e. what A and omega ['w']) ?
 
zhermes said:
What values are you using for that equation (i.e. what A and omega ['w']) ?

Those are both given in the original question, A=0.100m and w=2pi(period inverse) which turns out to be 1.48 Hz
 
I don't see how you could be getting > 40s; can you show us how you solved for t?
 
zhermes said:
I don't see how you could be getting > 40s; can you show us how you solved for t?

Yeah that's the problem, doesn't make sense logically/physically.

I used the equation x = A cos(wt-phi), assumed phi was zero and rearranged for time, t.

Then I did t1 at -0.05m and t2 at +0.05m and then took the difference as the time taken to go from point one to point 2.
 
There must be something wrong with your algebra, could you show your expressions for t
 

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