Solving for Phi in Harmonic Motion Equation

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving for the phase constant, phi, in the harmonic motion equation for a spring system with a spring constant of 190 N/m and an amplitude of 8.0 cm. The mass of 0.380 kg passes through the equilibrium point at t = 0.100 s. The equation of motion is given by x = A*cos(omega*t + phi), where A is 8.0 cm and omega is calculated to be 22.36 rad/s. The correct approach to find phi involves recognizing that the mass is moving upwards at t = 0.100 s, which leads to a unique solution for phi.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of harmonic motion equations
  • Knowledge of spring constants and mass-spring systems
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their inverses
  • Ability to perform basic calculus and physics calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the harmonic motion equation x = A*cos(omega*t + phi)
  • Learn about the significance of phase constants in oscillatory motion
  • Explore the implications of initial conditions on harmonic motion
  • Investigate the relationship between angular frequency and spring constant in mass-spring systems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone studying oscillatory systems will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focusing on harmonic motion and spring dynamics.

lmf22
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
A spring with spring constant 190 N/m vibrates with an amplitude of 8.0 cm when 0.380 kg hangs from it.
What is the equation describing this motion as a function of time?
Assume the mass passes through the equilibrium point, toward positive x (upward), at t = 0.100 s.

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

I figured out that A is 8.0 cm, and omega is 22.36
but I can't figure out phi.

Here's what I did:
x=0 (because it's at equalibrium at .100 s)
Plug in numbers and get
0=A*cos(22.36*.100 + phi)
0/A = cos(22.36*.100 + phi)
arcosine(0) = 22.36*.100 + phi
phi = arcosine(0) - (22.36*.100)

What am I doing wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There are many solutios for \phi[/tex]. Perhaps you're looking for a particular one? Perhaps you should use the fact that the mass is moving upwards at time t=0.100[/tex]?
 
Last edited:
Ah! I got it! Thank you.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
751
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
842
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K