Simple Harmonic Motion, velocity and acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a body undergoing simple harmonic motion along the x-axis, with its displacement described by a sine function. The original poster seeks to determine the velocity and acceleration at a specific time using the provided displacement equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions the use of sine versus cosine in the displacement equation and whether they can derive velocity and acceleration directly from the given equation. Some participants discuss the process of differentiation to find these quantities.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring the relationships between position, velocity, and acceleration through differentiation. Guidance has been provided regarding the method of taking derivatives, although there is no explicit consensus on the approach to transforming the sine function into cosine.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the differences in trigonometric forms and their implications for the motion described. There is an underlying assumption that the original poster is familiar with basic calculus concepts, as they consider derivatives for finding velocity and acceleration.

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Homework Statement


a body oscillates with simple harmonic motion along the x axis. Its displacement varies with time according to the equation x=5.0 sin (pi*(t) + pi/3). What is the velocity in m/s and acceleration in m/s^2 of the body at t=1.0s?


Homework Equations


x(t) = A cos (omega*(t) + phi)


The Attempt at a Solution


i am just confused as to how the equation in the problem is sin, vs. cos in the relevant equation, doesn't this just mean that the period of the motion of the object starts at a different point and can i use pi*(t) to find omega*(t) and pi/3 to find phi and get my velocity and accelerations, or do i have to manipulate the equation in the problem to get it in the form in relevant equations...if so what would i do to get the sin into cos?

thanks
 
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Well you are given a position,

<br /> x(t)=5.0\sin\left[\pi t+\frac{\pi}{3}\right]<br />

and how do you get a velocity, v(t), from a position? Similarly, how do you get an acceleration, a(t), from a velocity?
 
so i could just take the derivative and find instantaneous velocity and then take second derivative for instantaneous acceleration?
 
Correct. After taking the derivatives, just put in for t=1 and you'll have your velocity and accelerations at the appropriate time.


Also, since I didn't quite answer Part 3 very well, to get cosine from sine (and vice versa):

<br /> \sin[\theta]=\cos\left[\frac{\pi}{2}-\theta\right]<br />

<br /> \cos[\theta]=\sin\left[\frac{\pi}{2}-\theta\right]<br />
 
Thank you so much.
 

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