What Is the Speed of an Oscillating Particle at Equilibrium?

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SUMMARY

The speed of an oscillating particle at equilibrium is determined using the formula v = ω A cos(ωt). In this discussion, the particle oscillates between -6m and 6m, indicating a maximum amplitude (A) of 6 meters. The angular velocity (ω) is calculated to be π radians per second, leading to a maximum speed of 6π m/s, approximately 18.85 m/s. Participants emphasized the importance of accurately determining values for amplitude and angular velocity to ensure correct calculations in simple harmonic motion.

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  • Understanding of simple harmonic motion principles
  • Familiarity with the formula v = ω A cos(ωt)
  • Knowledge of angular velocity and its calculation
  • Ability to graph and interpret oscillatory motion
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  • Learn about the derivation of simple harmonic motion equations
  • Study the relationship between angular velocity and frequency
  • Explore graphical representations of oscillatory motion
  • Investigate the effects of varying amplitude on speed in oscillations
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  • #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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