What Is the Speed of an Oscillating Particle at Equilibrium?

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The discussion centers on determining the speed of an oscillating particle at its equilibrium point. The particle oscillates between -6m and 6m, leading to an average speed of 12 meters per second, but the correct calculation involves using the formula v = ω A cos(ωt). The participants clarify that angular velocity (ω) is 1 radian per second, and the amplitude (A) should be 6 meters, resulting in a speed of 6π m/s at equilibrium. There is a focus on the importance of accuracy in calculations and understanding the relationship between angular velocity and displacement in simple harmonic motion. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful graphing and verification of results in physics problems.
  • #31
PS personally I would never trade in the perfectly correct value of ##6\pi## m/s for an approximate answer (18.7 m/s w is a wrong rounding off for 18.8495559215... ) unless I was really forced to do so. After all, in subsequent calculations factors ##\pi## may well cancel out.
 
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  • #32
BvU said:
PS personally I would never trade in the perfectly correct value of ##6\pi## m/s for an approximate answer (18.7 m/s w is a wrong rounding off for 18.8495559215... ) unless I was really forced to do so. After all, in subsequent calculations factors ##\pi## may well cancel out.
very true, ill keep that in mind
 
  • #33
BvU said:
Draw a straight line with slope 3 m/s through the point (1.5s, 0 m) to check...
Where did the 2.5 s come from ? Not from me.
 
  • #34
BvU said:
Where did the 2.5 s come from ? Not from me.
oh, i thought i needed to check by plotting the line at 2.5 secs with slope 6 pi.

but yes, before the 2.5 was a mistake i made :(
 
  • #35
I'm lagging with my slow typing.

Acquiring some "dexterity" with sines and cosines is a good idea.
This exercise helps, but the ##A## and ##\omega## obfuscate things a bit (intentionally, from the point of viewof the exercise composer). For you, practicing with ##x = \sin (\omega t)## is more helpful (i.e. A = 1 and ##\omega = 1##).

Draw a graph of that and a unit circle on the same scale to the left and tadaa: values of x and speed at the angles ##0, {\pi\over 6}, {\pi\over 4}, {\pi\over 3}, {\pi\over 2}, {2\pi\over 3}, {5\pi\over 6}, {\pi} ## and each of these + ##{\pi}## become clear.

See how they all hang together, and also hang together with ##{d^2x\over dt^2} = -x##.

Once you have that internalized, dealing with ##A\ne 0## and ##\omega \ne 0## is a piece of cake and your efficiency in excercises will improve; also: you don't have to remember all that much.
 
  • #36
BvU said:
I'm lagging with my slow typing.

Acquiring some "dexterity" with sines and cosines is a good idea.
This exercise helps, but the ##A## and ##\omega## obfuscate things a bit (intentionally, from the point of viewof the exercise composer). For you, practicing with ##x = \sin (\omega t)## is more helpful (i.e. A = 1 and ##\omega = 1##).

Draw a graph of that and a unit circle on the same scale to the left and tadaa: values of x and speed at the angles ##0, {\pi\over 6}, {\pi\over 4}, {\pi\over 3}, {\pi\over 2}, {2\pi\over 3}, {5\pi\over 6}, {\pi} ## and each of these + ##{\pi}## become clear.

See how they all hang together, and also hang together with ##{d^2x\over dt^2} = -x##.

Once you have that internalized, dealing with ##A\ne 0## and ##\omega \ne 0## is a piece of cake and your efficiency in excercises will improve; also: you don't have to remember all that much.
thanks for the advice :)
 
  • #37
Welcome. Good luck with your physics binge.

More advice: get some rest when wearing out !
 
  • #38
BvU said:
Welcome. Good luck with your physics binge.

More advice: get some rest when wearing out !
hehe, no rest for me.
 

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