Simple Harmonic Oscillation with given equation

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving simple harmonic motion, specifically analyzing the motion of a 5.2 kg object described by the equation x(t) = 1.6sin(∏t/1.6 + ∏/6). Participants explore the position, velocity, acceleration, and kinetic energy of the object at various times, particularly at t = 0s and when kinetic energy is maximized.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to calculate position, velocity, and acceleration at t = 0s, and express kinetic energy as a function of time. There are discussions about the correctness of these calculations and the use of differentiation to find maximum kinetic energy. Some participants question the assumptions made in their calculations and the implications of using trigonometric identities.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on using trigonometric identities and differentiation techniques. There are multiple interpretations of the timing for maximum kinetic energy, and participants are exploring different approaches to verify their results.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note potential errors in calculations and the importance of checking assumptions regarding sine and cosine functions. There is also mention of homework constraints that may affect the approach to the problem.

kgal
Messages
41
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A massive object of m = 5.2 kg oscillates with simple harmonic motion. Its position as a function of time varies according to the equation x(t) = 1.6sin(∏t/1.6 + ∏/6).
a. What is the position, velocity and acceleration of the object at t = 0s?
b. What is the kinetic energy of the object as a function of time?
c. At what time after t=0s is the kinetic energy first at a maximum?


Homework Equations



x(t) = 1.6sin(∏t/1.6 + ∏/6).

The Attempt at a Solution



a. x(0) = 1.6sin(0 + ∏/6) = 0.8 m
v(0) = ∏cos[(∏t / 1.6) + (∏/6)] = ∏cos(∏/6) = 2.72 m/s
a(0) = - (∏^2 / 1.6) sin [(∏t / 1.6) + (∏/6)] = - 5.33 m/s^2 (the right answer should be -3.08 m/s^2)!

b. K(t) = 1/2mv(t)^2 = 1/2m{[∏cos[(∏t / 1.6) + (∏/6)]}^2 //plugged v from part a
2.6∏^2cos^2[(∏t / 1.6) + (∏/6)]

c. K' = -100sin[(∏t / 1.6) + (∏/6)]cos[(∏t / 1.6) + (∏/6)].
K'(t) = 0 at t = .26 s (But the right answer should be 1.33 s)!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
kgal said:

Homework Statement


A massive object of m = 5.2 kg oscillates with simple harmonic motion. Its position as a function of time varies according to the equation x(t) = 1.6sin(∏t/1.6 + ∏/6).
a. What is the position, velocity and acceleration of the object at t = 0s?
b. What is the kinetic energy of the object as a function of time?
c. At what time after t=0s is the kinetic energy first at a maximum?

Homework Equations



x(t) = 1.6sin(∏t/1.6 + ∏/6).

The Attempt at a Solution



a. x(0) = 1.6sin(0 + ∏/6) = 0.8 m
v(0) = ∏cos[(∏t / 1.6) + (∏/6)] = ∏cos(∏/6) = 2.72 m/s
a(0) = - (∏^2 / 1.6) sin [(∏t / 1.6) + (∏/6)] = - 5.33 m/s^2 (the right answer should be -3.08 m/s^2)!

Remember that sin(π/6) = 1/2 NOT √3/2! :biggrin:

kgal said:
b. K(t) = 1/2mv(t)^2 = 1/2m{[∏cos[(∏t / 1.6) + (∏/6)]}^2 //plugged v from part a
2.6∏^2cos^2[(∏t / 1.6) + (∏/6)]

c. K' = -100sin[(∏t / 1.6) + (∏/6)]cos[(∏t / 1.6) + (∏/6)].
K'(t) = 0 at t = .26 s (But the right answer should be 1.33 s)!

Homework Statement

For part c), it's much easier to use a double-angle formula for cosine to express the KE as a power-one expression of a single cosine term plus a constant, then use the periodicity of the cosine function to find where the KE is next at a maximum.

I didn't check your differentiation thoroughly, but remember that if you use differentiation and set the derivative to 0 (in which case either that sine term is zero OR the cosine term is zero), you get both local minima and local maxima, so you need to figure out which is which. A little tedious.
 
Last edited:
*for b. Duh! thanks :)

*for c. I set 3pi/2 = pit/1.6 + pi/6 (cos function) and got t = 2.13 s, which is larger than the t i got when i set pit/1.6 + pi/6 = 0 (sin function), but I still somehow missed the target t = 1.33 s, just don't know where i went wrong...
 
kgal said:
*for b. Duh! thanks :)

*for c. I set 3pi/2 = pit/1.6 + pi/6 (cos function) and got t = 2.13 s, which is larger than the t i got when i set pit/1.6 + pi/6 = 0 (sin function), but I still somehow missed the target t = 1.33 s, just don't know where i went wrong...

Remember that sin 0 = sin π = sin 2π = 0. :wink:

When you use the '0' you get a negative time. So try the next one.

By right you should consider the cosine part too. In that case, cos π/2 = cos 3π/2 = 0.

But the sine term holds the answer here.

You really have to check to make sure the KE is a minimum at that point. That involves either calculating the second derivative, or curve sketching. Tedious, tedious.

This is why I suggested an alternative method which really is a lot easier.
 
Thanks a lot
 

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
13
Views
2K