Simple Harmonic Motion Question

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a particle undergoing simple harmonic motion (SHM) with specific distance traveled in the first two seconds after starting from rest. The goal is to determine the maximum acceleration of the particle based on the given distances.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between time, distance traveled, and the equations of motion for SHM. There are attempts to set up equations based on the distances traveled in each second and to relate them to the amplitude and angular frequency.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to set up equations based on the distances traveled, while others are clarifying the implications of the problem statement. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the variables involved, but no consensus has been reached on a complete solution.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's attempt indicates a lack of clarity on how to proceed with the equations, and there are hints of confusion regarding the interpretation of the distances traveled in relation to the amplitude of motion.

sketchd2
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Homework Statement


A particle moves with SHM in a straight line.
In the first second after starting from rest,it travels a distance of 1m in a constant direction.
In the next second, it travels a distance of 2m in the same direction.
Find its maximum acceleration


Homework Equations


x=acos(ωt)
[itex]\dot{x}[/itex]=-ω√(a2-x2)
[itex]\ddot{x}[/itex]=-ω2x


The Attempt at a Solution


Starting from rest ∴ when [itex]\dot{x}[/itex]=0, x=a, [itex]\ddot{x}[/itex]=maximum.
maximum [itex]\ddot{x}[/itex]=-ω2x
maximum amplitude = 1.5
∴ amplitude [itex]\geq[/itex]1.5

After many more lines of work, no solution was able to be found.
Can someone help?
 
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You have two equations and two unknowns, you don't need to do anything more than plugging values into x=acos(ωt).

From the given information what values do you suppose you need to plug in?
 
when t=1, x=a-1
when t=2, x=a-3
 
In the first second after starting from rest,it travels a distance of 1m in a constant direction.
In the next second, it travels a distance of 2m in the same direction.

I'd use this, what exactly is this saying?
 
it is saying that after the 1st second the particle has moved 1m from the amplitude position and that after the 2nd second the particle mas moved a total of 3m from the amplitude position.
 
You have
\begin{align*}
a - a \cos \omega &= 1 \\
a - a \cos 2\omega &= 3
\end{align*} Solve for a in the first equation and substitute into the other. Then use a trig identity for ##\cos 2\omega## to write it in terms of ##\cos \omega##.
 
ok. thank you for this. it helps me a lot
 

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