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

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In summary, the conversation discusses a problem where the solution is to find whether an equation of the form 15.35 can satisfy equation 15.34 by plugging in suitable values for ##A, \omega, \phi##. It is found that 15.34 is satisfied by 15.35 under certain conditions for ##\phi## and ##A##, and any solution to the unforced system can also be added to produce another solution. The values of ##A## and ##\phi## were not initially defined, but were derived to match the given equation.
  • #1
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Homework Statement
Please see below
Relevant Equations
Please see below
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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  • #2
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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  • #3
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 !
 
  • #4
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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  • #6
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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  • #7
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!
 

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

What is an undamped forced oscillator?

An undamped forced oscillator is a system in which an external periodic force is applied to a harmonic oscillator without any damping. This means there is no energy loss in the system due to friction or other resistive forces, allowing it to oscillate indefinitely under the influence of the external force.

What is the equation of motion for an undamped forced oscillator?

The equation of motion for an undamped forced oscillator is given by the second-order differential equation: \( m \frac{d^2x}{dt^2} + kx = F_0 \cos(\omega t) \), where \( m \) is the mass of the oscillator, \( k \) is the spring constant, \( F_0 \) is the amplitude of the external force, and \( \omega \) is the angular frequency of the external force.

What is resonance in the context of an undamped forced oscillator?

Resonance occurs when the frequency of the external force matches the natural frequency of the oscillator. At resonance, the amplitude of the oscillations reaches its maximum value because the energy input from the external force is most efficiently transferred to the oscillator.

How does the amplitude of an undamped forced oscillator change with the driving frequency?

The amplitude of an undamped forced oscillator depends on the driving frequency. When the driving frequency is far from the natural frequency of the system, the amplitude is relatively small. As the driving frequency approaches the natural frequency, the amplitude increases and reaches a maximum at resonance. Beyond resonance, the amplitude decreases again.

What is the phase difference between the driving force and the displacement in an undamped forced oscillator?

The phase difference between the driving force and the displacement of an undamped forced oscillator depends on the driving frequency. Below the natural frequency, the displacement lags behind the driving force. At the natural frequency (resonance), the displacement is 90 degrees out of phase with the driving force. Above the natural frequency, the displacement leads the driving force.

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