Math Problem Statement

What is the phase constant (from 0 to 2π rad) for the harmonic oscillator with the velocity function v(t) given in the figure if the position function x(t) has the form x = xmcos(ωt + φ)? The vertical axis scale is set by vs = 3.20 cm/s.

Solution

To solve for the phase constant φ\varphi for the harmonic oscillator with the given velocity function v(t)v(t), let's proceed by analyzing the information provided in the images.

Information Provided:

  1. The velocity function v(t)v(t) is shown in the graph, and it appears sinusoidal.
  2. The position function x(t)x(t) has the form: x=xmcos(ωt+φ)x = x_m \cos(\omega t + \varphi)
  3. The vertical scale for the velocity graph is set by vs=3.20cm/sv_s = 3.20 \, \text{cm/s}.
  4. We need to determine the phase constant φ\varphi in the range 00 to 2π2\pi radians.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Identify the Form of the Velocity Function: Since x=xmcos(ωt+φ)x = x_m \cos(\omega t + \varphi), the velocity function v(t)v(t) is the derivative of x(t)x(t) with respect to tt: v(t)=xmωsin(ωt+φ)v(t) = -x_m \omega \sin(\omega t + \varphi)

  2. Determine the Phase Constant φ\varphi: From the graph, we observe that v(t)v(t) reaches its maximum positive value at a particular point on the time axis. Since v(t)=vsv(t) = v_s represents this maximum velocity, this point corresponds to sin(ωt+φ)=1\sin(\omega t + \varphi) = 1, meaning ωt+φ=π2\omega t + \varphi = \frac{\pi}{2} at that point.

  3. Analyze the Graph's Characteristics: To solve for φ\varphi, we need to understand where the velocity reaches zero and where it reaches its maximum/minimum in relation to the cosine function's phase shift. We would typically examine where the peaks align with expected sine wave behavior.

Would you like me to continue with this approach, perhaps by identifying more specific points on the time axis to narrow down the phase constant value? Here are some related questions that might deepen your understanding:

  1. What is the relationship between maximum velocity and amplitude in harmonic motion?
  2. How does the phase constant φ\varphi affect the initial position and direction of motion in a harmonic oscillator?
  3. Why does the velocity function v(t)v(t) involve a sine function while the position function x(t)x(t) involves a cosine function?
  4. How could we use the frequency or period information to verify the phase constant in this problem?
  5. What other parameters would we need to fully describe the harmonic motion?

Tip: In harmonic motion problems, understanding how sine and cosine functions are shifted relative to each other helps determine phase constants effectively.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Simple Harmonic Motion
Phase Constant
Trigonometric Functions

Formulas

Position function: x = xm * cos(ωt + φ)
Velocity function: v(t) = -xm * ω * sin(ωt + φ)

Theorems

Differentiation in Trigonometric Functions
Properties of Simple Harmonic Oscillators

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Physics