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-   -   Harmonic oscillations problem (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=604525)

  • Oct 17, 2011, 07:15 AM
    endlesslove230
    Harmonic oscillations problem
    An object performs a harmonic motion. If the values of the deflections are x1=2 [cm], x2=3 [cm] and the velocities are v1=5 [m/s], v2=4 [m/s], calculate the amplitude and the angular frequency of the harmonic oscillator.

    Here is what I solved so far:





    What should I do next to reach:



    ?
  • Oct 17, 2011, 10:39 AM
    ebaines
    Fist off your equations aren't quite right, for several reasons:

    1. Your first equation makes an assumption that x_1 = 0 at t= 0, but unless you've been told this you don't know it. The correct equation is:



    The constant need to be included in all four equations.

    2. The constant for the amplitude should be same for all equations. Call it A,; there is no A_1 or A_2.

    3. The velocity is the derivative of the position function, so:


    Once you make these changes you can make use of the trigonometry identity .

    Hence:



    Can you take it from here?
  • Oct 17, 2011, 11:08 AM
    endlesslove230
    Yes, thank you.

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