Velocity vs time graph simple harmonic motion phase constant

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
6 replies · 6K views
firezap
Messages
29
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


http://i.imgur.com/u8vUv5a.jpg
Find the phase constant.

Homework Equations


x(t)=Acos(ωt + Φ)
v(t)=-Aωsin(ωt + Φ)
Vmax = ωA
ω=2π/T

The Attempt at a Solution


ω = 2π/12 = 0.5236
A = 60/0.5236 = 114.59 cm
v(0) = -30 = -114.59(0.5236)sinΦ
0.5 = sinΦ
Φ = π/6 and 5π/6. Which angle is correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
firezap said:
ω = 2π/12
T ≠ 12
Φ = π/6 and 5π/6. Which angle is correct?

There are different ways to see which is correct. For example, you could sketch a graph of V(t) for Φ = π/6 and for Φ = 5π/6 and compare your sketches with the given graph. Or, you could evaluate V(t) for some particular value of t (not equal to zero), say t = 1, for Φ = π/6 and for Φ = 5π/6 and compare to the given graph.
 
TSny said:
T ≠ 12
What's the period and how to find it?
So my period and amplitude and angles are incorrect?
 
Last edited:
thanks, 5π/6 was correct. Confirmed by mastering physics.
 
haruspex said:
Looks like 12 to me.
Must be my eyesoo) (or my brain o0)) But it doesn't look like the graph of V(t) goes through exactly one cycle in 12 seconds.

[Oh wait! Now that I look at it again for the 7th time, I see that the graph doesn't meet the t axis at t = 12. Very sorry about that. I agree that T = 12.]
 
firezap said:

Homework Statement


http://i.imgur.com/u8vUv5a.jpg
Find the phase constant.

Homework Equations


x(t)=Acos(ωt + Φ)
v(t)=-Aωsin(ωt + Φ)

The Attempt at a Solution


0.5 = sinΦ
Φ = π/6 and 5π/6. Which angle is correct?

The other way to choose the correct phase angle:
The v(t) graph is increasing at t=0. The slope of the v(t) graph is the acceleration, a(t) = dv/dt = -Aω2cos(ωt + Φ). It has to be positive at t=0. Which phase angle to choose?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: MUUKGIZ