Simple Harmonic Motion-should be easy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the position, velocity, and acceleration of a particle undergoing simple harmonic motion, described by the equation x = 40 cos(45t + 8). Key parameters include an angular frequency of 45 rad/sec, a period of 0.139 seconds, and an amplitude of 40 cm. The user initially miscalculated the position at t = 0.05 seconds, obtaining 39.36 cm, which was incorrect due to not setting the calculator to radians. The correct approach involves using the cosine function with the argument in radians and applying the formulas for velocity and acceleration derived from the original position equation.

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  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion principles
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions in radians
  • Knowledge of calculus concepts related to velocity and acceleration
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  • Calculate the particle's position at various time intervals using x = 40 cos(45t + 8)
  • Learn how to derive velocity from the position function using v = -w * A sin(wt + φ)
  • Understand the concept of maximum speed in simple harmonic motion and how to calculate it
  • Explore the relationship between angular frequency, period, and amplitude in harmonic motion
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and wave motion, as well as educators looking for practical examples of simple harmonic motion calculations.

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A particle's position in centimeters is given by the expression x = 40 cos(45 t + 8), where t is given in seconds.

angular frequency= 45 rad/sec
period= .139 s
amplitude= 40 cm

Heres the part i can't get but seems so simple...

where is the particle at t= .05 sec?

what is its velocity?

what is its acceleration?

what is the maximum speed attained by the particle?

So what i figured on doing is just plugging .05 into my original equation x = 40 cos(45 t + 8) to solve for distance...where t= .05, distance= 39.36...which came out to be wrong for some reason...(all is in cm)
then for the rest i just add a "-w" infront of the equation for velocity
and a "-w^2" for acceleration and then solve when a=0, velocity has a max or min..

any ideas?
 
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First issue, the argument of the cosine is in radians--make sure to set your calculator for radians. I got something like -27.

See if that helps with the remaining questions which are modified by -w and w^2 as you note.
 

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