Calculating Speed in Simple Harmonic Motion

In summary, the question is about finding the speed of a mass oscillating on a spring at t = 0.120 s. The equation used is v = -wAsin(wt + theta) and the 18.0s^-1 is assumed to be frequency. However, using 18 s^-1 in the equation does not give the correct answer. The correct answer is found by leaving out the negative in the calculation.
  • #1
asuslinux
4
0
[SOLVED] Simple Harmonic Motion

This is the question I was given on my assignment, I can't seem to get it, bad prof so I am trying to teach all of this to myself, but this stuff is a bit confusing. From what I have tried and gather from examples in mt text, sub in .120s and solve but that is not working.

The position of a mass that is oscillating on a spring is given by (14.0cm)cos[(18.0s^-1)t].
What is the speed of the mass when t = 0.120 s?

Also, I don't think 18.0s^-1 is angular speed, I think its frequency but the book has nothing in it about it, got that from google.

I am looking for a step in the right direction in solving this one, the equation I am using are:

v = -wAsin(wt + theta)

The solution I am getting is -13.4 m/s which is not right, any help would be great. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Can you show how you got the -13.4 m/s? Are you working in radian mode on your calculator?
 
  • #3
Yeah, I am working in radian mode, this is going under what I was assuming the 18.0s^-1 is frequency so I converted it using:

w = f2(pi)

and then used that in the velocity equation, I don't think that's right, but just using the 18 as w doesn't work either.
 
  • #4
I think the 18 s^-1 is the angular speed. Can you show what answer you get when you use 18?
 
  • #5
V = -(18 * .14)sin(18 * .120)
= -(2.52)sin(2.16)
= -(2.52)(.83138)
= -2.095 m/s

That answer is not right either.
 
  • #6
Yeah, I got it after, I was forgetting speed is a scaler so leaving out the negative solved the problem, thanks for your help.
 

FAQ: Calculating Speed in Simple Harmonic Motion

What is Simple Harmonic Motion?

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is a type of periodic motion where an object oscillates back and forth around a fixed equilibrium point, following a path that is symmetric about the equilibrium point. This type of motion is characterized by a restoring force that is directly proportional to the displacement of the object from the equilibrium point.

What are the factors that affect Simple Harmonic Motion?

The factors that affect Simple Harmonic Motion include the mass of the object, the stiffness of the spring, and the amplitude (maximum displacement) of the motion. These factors determine the frequency (number of oscillations per unit time) and the period (time for one complete oscillation) of the motion.

How is Simple Harmonic Motion related to Hooke's Law?

Simple Harmonic Motion is closely related to Hooke's Law, which states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position. This means that the restoring force in SHM is also directly proportional to the displacement, making Hooke's Law a fundamental principle in understanding SHM.

What are some real-life examples of Simple Harmonic Motion?

Some common examples of Simple Harmonic Motion include the motion of a mass attached to a spring, the motion of a pendulum, and the motion of a mass on a vibrating string or rod. Other examples include the motion of a swing, the vibration of a guitar string, and the motion of a tuning fork.

How is Simple Harmonic Motion different from other types of motion?

Simple Harmonic Motion is different from other types of motion in that it follows a specific pattern, where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement. This results in a sinusoidal (or wave-like) motion that is symmetric about the equilibrium point. Other types of motion, such as linear or circular motion, do not follow this pattern and may have different characteristics.

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