Why is φ Assumed to Be 90 in the Undamped Forced Oscillator Solution?

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Homework Help Overview

This discussion revolves around the undamped forced oscillator solution, specifically examining the assumptions made regarding the phase angle φ in the context of equations 15.34 and 15.35.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the validity of assuming φ = 90 degrees and its implications for the equality of equations 15.34 and 15.35. There is a focus on substituting values for A, ω, and φ to verify the solution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning the assumptions made about φ and discussing how these assumptions affect the solution. Some guidance has been provided regarding the derivation of A and φ, but no consensus has been reached on the necessity of the assumption.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the initial lack of definitions for φ and A, and how participants are testing functions to determine the requirements for satisfying the original equation.

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Homework Statement
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Relevant Equations
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For this problem,
1675720881858.png

The solution is,
1675720909212.png

However, can someone please explain how this is showing equation 15.35 as a solution of equation 15.34? I though both sides should be equal without assuming that ##\phi = 90##

Also why are they allowed to assume ##\phi = 90##?

Many thanks!
 
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Given 15.34, we want to see whether an equation of the form 15.35 can be a solution if we plug in suitable values for ##A, \omega, \phi##.
To check this, we use 15.35 to substitute for x in 15.34.
It turns out that 15.34 is satisfied by 15.35 provided ##\phi=\pi/2+2n\pi## and ##A=\frac{F_0}{m\omega^2-k}##.
 
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haruspex said:
Given 15.34, we want to see whether an equation of the form 15.35 can be a solution if we plug in suitable values for ##A, \omega, \phi##.
To check this, we use 15.35 to substitute for x in 15.34.
It turns out that 15.34 is satisfied by 15.35 provided ##\phi=\pi/2+2n\pi## and ##A=\frac{F_0}{m\omega^2-k}##.
Thank you for your reply @haruspex !
 
and any solution to the unforced (or homogeneous or ##F_0=0##) system can be added to produce another solution as dictated by initial conditions.
 
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hutchphd said:
and any solution to the unforced (or homogeneous or ##F_0=0##) system can be added to produce another solution as dictated by initial conditions.
Thank you @hutchphd , that is good to know!
 
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Callumnc1 said:
I though both sides should be equal without assuming that ϕ=90

Also why are they allowed to assume ϕ=90?
Φ and A were not defined initially. They were testing a function to see what would be required for it it satisfy the original equation. Then they derived what Φ and A had to be for that form to be correct.
 
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DaveE said:
Φ and A were not defined initially. They were testing a function to see what would be required for it it satisfy the original equation. Then they derived what Φ and A had to be for that form to be correct.
Oh ok thank you @DaveE that makes more sense now!
 

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