Math Problem Statement

An object is moving back and forth on the x-axis according to the equation x(t) = 3sin(20πt), t> 0, where x(t) is measured in cm and t in seconds, How many complete back-and-forth motions (from the origin to the right, back to the origin, to the left and finally back to the origin) does the object make in one second

Solution

The given motion equation is:

x(t)=3sin(20πt)x(t) = 3 \sin(20\pi t)

This represents a sinusoidal oscillation, where x(t)x(t) is the position of the object along the x-axis in centimeters, and tt is time in seconds. The general form for sinusoidal motion is:

x(t)=Asin(ωt)x(t) = A \sin(\omega t)

where:

  • AA is the amplitude of oscillation (in this case, A=3A = 3 cm),
  • ω\omega is the angular frequency (in this case, ω=20π\omega = 20\pi).

Step 1: Calculate the frequency of oscillation

The angular frequency ω\omega is related to the frequency ff by the formula:

ω=2πf\omega = 2\pi f

Substituting ω=20π\omega = 20\pi:

20π=2πf20\pi = 2\pi f

Solving for ff:

f=20π2π=10Hzf = \frac{20\pi}{2\pi} = 10 \, \text{Hz}

This means the object completes 10 oscillations per second.

Step 2: Back-and-forth motion

One complete back-and-forth motion (from the origin, to the right, back to the origin, to the left, and back to the origin) corresponds to one full cycle of the sine function. Therefore, the object makes 10 complete back-and-forth motions in one second.

Final Answer:

The object makes 10 complete back-and-forth motions in one second.

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Relative Questions:

  1. How would the amplitude affect the motion in this case?
  2. What is the period of the object's motion?
  3. How would the motion change if the angular frequency were halved?
  4. What is the maximum velocity of the object?
  5. How would the motion change if the equation were x(t)=3cos(20πt)x(t) = 3 \cos(20\pi t)?

Tip: The frequency of a sinusoidal motion can be easily determined from the angular frequency using the formula ω=2πf\omega = 2\pi f.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Oscillatory Motion
Frequency
Angular Frequency

Formulas

x(t) = A sin(ωt)
ω = 2πf
f = ω / (2π)

Theorems

Sinusoidal Motion
Relationship between Angular Frequency and Frequency

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (Precalculus/Physics)