Solving Simple Pendulum Homework: Find the Amplitude & Phase Angle

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In summary, a 2.00-kg frictionless block attached to an ideal spring with force constant 300 N/m is initially moving in the negative direction at 12.0 m/s. Using the equations x=A*cos(ωt+φ) and v=-ωA*sin(ωt+φ), where \omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}, we can solve for the amplitude and phase angle. With the given values, we can solve for \omega, which is equal to 12.25. Since there are two unknowns (A and φ), we can assume that A is non-zero and solve for φ by setting the first equation to 0 and the second equation to 12.0. This
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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)
[tex]\omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



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

How do I solve for something when there are two unknowns (phi and A)?
 
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Do I assume that A is non-zero, therefore making φ = Pi/2 radians?
 

1. How do I find the amplitude of a simple pendulum?

The amplitude of a simple pendulum can be found by measuring the maximum displacement of the pendulum from its equilibrium position. This can be done by measuring the distance between the highest point the pendulum swings to and the rest position.

2. What is the phase angle of a simple pendulum?

The phase angle of a simple pendulum is the angle at which the pendulum is released from its starting position. This angle is measured from the vertical line passing through the equilibrium position.

3. How does the length of a pendulum affect its amplitude?

The length of a pendulum does not affect its amplitude. The amplitude only depends on the initial conditions of the pendulum, such as the angle at which it is released and the initial velocity.

4. What is the equation for calculating the period of a simple pendulum?

The equation for calculating the period of a simple pendulum is T = 2π√(L/g), where T is the period, L is the length of the pendulum, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. This equation assumes small angles of displacement and no air resistance.

5. How can I use the amplitude and phase angle to determine the motion of a simple pendulum?

The amplitude and phase angle can be used to determine the position of a simple pendulum at any given time. By using the equation x = Asin(ωt + φ), where x is the displacement, A is the amplitude, ω is the angular frequency, t is time, and φ is the phase angle, the position of the pendulum can be calculated for any time interval.

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