Solve Harmonic Oscillation Homework: E, F, T, ƒ

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a harmonic oscillation problem involving an object with specified energy, maximum force, period, and starting phase. The key formula for the oscillation is identified as X = A*cos(ω*t + ƒ), where calculations for maximum amplitude (A) and angular frequency (ω) are explored. The amplitude is calculated to be 0.04 m, and the angular frequency is derived using ω = 2π/T. Participants emphasize the need to derive equations from fundamental principles rather than guessing. The conversation also touches on language barriers affecting the understanding of the problem.
MisterP
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Homework Statement


Harmonically fluctuating object. It`s full energy (E) is 3*10-5 J. Maximum force (F) on object is 1.5 * 10-3N. Period is 2 seconds (T) and starting phase (ƒ) is 60°. Need to write equation for these fluctuations.
E = 3*10-5 J
F= 1.5 * 10-3N
T = 2 s
ƒ = 60°

Homework Equations


I know this formula X (fluctuation formula) = A*cos(ω*t + ƒ)
ω - fluctuation angular frequency
t - time
ƒ - starting phase

The Attempt at a Solution


I found this formula E/F = A/2. Looks like I can calculate A (max amplitude). So 3*10-2/1.5 * 10-3 = A/2 A = 0.04 m (I guess it is in meters?)
So, how can I calculate ω now? Edit: just found ω = 2Π/t, could this be right?
 
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MisterP said:
I found this formula E/F = A/2.
Unless you were told you could use such an equation, my guess is that you need to derive that from more fundamental principles.

MisterP said:
A = 0.04 m (I guess it is in meters?)
Don't guess, derive it.

MisterP said:
So, how can I calculate ω now? Edit: just found ω = 2Π/t, could this be right?
Do you think this makes sense? What is the definition of the period of oscillation.
 
Hi again P,

You work in a telegraph office ? Such a terse problem statement :wink: !
 
BvU said:
Hi again P,

You work in a telegraph office ? Such a terse problem statement :wink: !
I think that the problem was not originally in English.

By the way, @MisterP, I have changed the title of the thread. These are "oscillations" in English, not "fluctuations."
 
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Seems like a tricky task to me, so I see this so "foggy"
English is not my original language, so its hard to translate such tasks :D :)
 
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Still can`t figure this out..
 
MisterP said:
Maximum force (F) on object is 1.5 * 10-3N
At what point in the oscillation period is the restoring force maximum ?
MisterP said:
It`s full energy (E) is 3*10-5 J
What is the energy stored in a spring with spring constant ##k## when it is compressed over a distance ##x## ?
What is the expression for the restoring force exercised by a spring with spring constant ##k## when it is compressed over a distance ##x## ?

Animated-mass-spring.gif

picture: wikipedia "oscillation" (lemma has no useful formulas for this exercise)
 

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