Solving Simple Pendulum Homework: Find the Amplitude & Phase Angle

  • Thread starter Thread starter cdotter
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving a simple pendulum with a mass-spring system. The key equations provided include the position and velocity equations for harmonic motion, along with the angular frequency calculation. The user calculates the angular frequency as approximately 12.25 rad/s but struggles with two unknowns, amplitude (A) and phase angle (φ). They consider assuming A is non-zero, which leads to φ being π/2 radians. The conversation emphasizes the challenge of solving for two variables simultaneously in this context.
cdotter
Messages
305
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A 2.00-kg frictionless block is attached to an ideal spring with force constant 300 N/m. At t=0 the spring is neither stretched nor compressed and the block is moving in the negative direction at 12.0 m/s. Find the amplitude and the phase angle.


Homework Equations


x=A*cos(ωt+φ)
v=-ωA*sin(ωt+φ)
\omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}

The Attempt at a Solution



\omega = \sqrt{\frac{300}{2.00}} = 12.25
0 = A\cdot cos(\phi)
12.0 = -12.25 \cdot A \cdot sin(\phi)

How do I solve for something when there are two unknowns (phi and A)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Do I assume that A is non-zero, therefore making φ = Pi/2 radians?
 
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'
Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
Back
Top