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Physics 107

Answers - Simple Harmonic Motion

1.




  1. The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position A = 10.0 cm.

  2. The time for one complete oscillation T = p/2 s.  Notice the maximum positive displacement  x = +10.0 cm occurs at  t = 0  and the next time at  t = p/2 s.  It occurs again at  t = ps.

2.




  1. v(t) = - (2p/T)(A sin 2pt/T).  The maximum value of the sine is 1.  The maximum absolute value of v = 2pA/T.  The ± signs account only for the direction of the velocity.

  2. From Fig. 1b above,  |vmax| = 40.0 cm/s = 2pA/T = 2p(10cm)/ps/2.

3.






    1. a(t) =- (2p/T)2(A cos 2pt/T).  Maximum value of the cosine is
      1. |amax|  = (2p/T)2A.  The ± signs account only for the direction of the acceleration.

    2. a(t) = - (2p/T)2 (A cos 2pt/T) = - (2p/T)2 x(t)
      since x(t) = A cos 2pt/T.

      -a(t)/x(t) = (2p/T)2.

  1. From Fig. 1c above,
    |amax| = 160.0 cm/s2 = (2p/T)2A = (2p/ps/2)2 10 cm.

4.

  1. For a mass attached to a spring, F = - kx or F/x = - k, where k is a constant. The applied force F is directly proportional to the displacement x and the minus sign says it is in the opposite direction to x.

  2. When the spring is extended and released,  Fnet = ma  or
    - kx = ma  or  - a/x = k/m.

  3. From 3a(ii),  - a(t)/x(t) = (2p/T)2
    By comparison,  k/m = (2p/T)2  or  T = 2p(m/k)1/2.

5.

  1. Given x(t) = A cos (2pt/T + d), where A is the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position. The maximum value of cos (2pt/T + d) is 1, so the equation accurately describe the definition of A.

  2. x(t + T) = A cos [2p(t + T)/T + d]
                = A cos [2pt/T + 2pT/T+ d]
                = A cos [2pt/T + 2p + d]
                = A cos (2pt/T + d)
                = x(t).

    The definition of T is accurately described by the equation of motion for simple harmonic motion,  A cos (2pt/T + d),  because it allows the value of x  at  t  to equal the value of  x  at  t  + T  or  t + nT where n = 1, 2, 3 . . .

  3. For x(t) = A cos (2pt/T -p /2),  x(0) = xo = A cos (- p /2) = 0.
    v(t) = - (2p/T)A sin (2pt/T- p /2).
    v(0) = vo = - (2p/T)A sin (- p /2) = (2p/T)A = +vmax.
    At  t = 0,  the object is at the equilibrium position and travelling with the maximum velocity in the +X-direction.

6.

Given that  d2x/dt2 + (k/m)x = 0                                     (Equation 1")
Show that x(t) = A cos (2p t/T + d) is a solution.               (Equation 1')
v = dx/dt = - (2p/T)A sin (2pt/T + d).
dv/dt = d2x/dt2 = - (2p/T)2[A cos (2p\t/T + d)] = - (2p/T)2 x      (Equation 2)

Substituting Eq. 2 into Eq. 1",  - (2p/T)2 x + (k/m)x = 0.
This equation is true if (2p/T)2 = (k/m)  or  T = 2p(m/k)1/2.


7.





In general,  x(t) = A cos (2pt/T + d)  and  v(t) = dx/dt = -A(2p/T) sin (2pt/T + d).

(a) and (d)

  In Fig. for #7a above,  x(t) is plotted for d = 0.
  In Fig. for #7d above,  v(t) is plotted for d = 0.
  For  d = 0  and  t = 0 ,  the initial conditions are:
the initial displacement = xo = A  and
the initial velocity = vo = 0.

Immediately after  t = 0,  the object moves to the left (with a negative velocity).



(b) For d = - p/2, x(t) = A cos (2pt/T - p/2).

   By trigonometric identity,
cos (C - D) = cos C cos D + sin C sin D  (with C = 2pt/T and D = p/2)
x(t) = A[cos 2pt/T cos p/2 + sin 2pt/T sin p/2]
x(t) = A[cos 2pt/T(0) + sin 2pt/T(1)] = A sin 2pt/T

   Notice the first maximum in Fig. b (immediately above) lags that in
   Fig. a (above) by p/2 radians.

(e) v(t) = - 2pA/T sin (2pt/T - p/2)

   By trigonometric identity,
sin (C - D) = sin C cos D - cos C sin D
v(t) = -2pA/T[(sin 2pt/T)(0) - (cos2pt/T)(1)]
v(t) = (2pA/T) cos 2pt/T

   For d = - p/2  and  t = 0,  xo = 0  and  vo = +2pA/T

(c) For d = - p,  x(t) = A cos (2pt/T - p)
             = A[cos 2pt/T cos p + sin 2pt/T sin p]
             = A[(cos 2pt/T)(-1) + (sin 2pt/T)(0)]
     x(t) = - A cos 2pt/T

    Notice that Fig. c (immediately above) lags Fig. a (above) by p radians.

(f) v(t) = - A(2p/T) sin (2pt/T - p)
           = - (2pA/T)[sin 2pt/T cos p-cos 2pt/T sin p]
           =(- 2pA/T)[(sin2pt/T)(-1) - (cos2pt/T)(0)].
     v(t) = (2pA/T) sin 2pt/T

    For d = - p  and  t = 0,  xo = - A  and  vo = 0.

Immediately after  t = 0,  the object moves to the right with a positive velocity.

(g) The function of d is to state the initial conditions.
     Note:  d = p   or  - p  gives the same result.


8.

  1. x(t) = A cos (wt + d)
    x(0) = xo = A cos d                                    (Equation 1)

  2. v(t) = dx/dt = - wA sin (wt + d)
    v(0) = vo = -wA sin d                               (Equation 2)

    Dividing both sides of Eq. 2 by - w:
    - vo/w = A sin d                    (Equation 3)

  3. Dividing Eq. 3 by Eq. 1,  tan d = - vo/xwo.

  4. Squaring Eq. 1 and Eq. 3 and adding:
    xo2 + (- vo/w)2 = A2(cos2 d + A sin2 d)  or  [xo2 + (- vo/w)2]1/2 = A.

9.




In Fig. for #9(a) above, the spring is not stretched. In Fig. for #9(b) above, the mass is attached and the spring is stretched a distance  xo.
  1. The mass comes to rest and Fnet = ma = m(0).
    Taking down to be positive,  
    - kxo + mg = 0        (Equation 1)

  2. In Fig. for #9(c) above, the spring has been displaced an additional distance x.  Now Fnet = ma, where a ≠ 0 once the spring is released. Taking the direction of x, which is down, as positive,
     - kx - kxo + mg = ma      (Equation 2)

    From Eq. 1, we see that - kxo + mg = 0.  Eq. 2 becomes:
    - kx = ma  or  - a/x = k/m.
    The ratio of  a  to  x  is the same whether the spring is mounted horizontally or vertically.

  3. As before, - a/x = (2p/T)2 = (2pf)2 = k/m  and  f = (1/2p)(k/m)1/2.

10.




  1. The forces acting on the pendulum bob are its weight mg and the tension T in the string.

  2. The only force tangent to the path is a restoring force - mg sin Q.  From the triangle with lengths, we find that
    sin Q = x/L and - mg sin Q = - (mg/L)x.
    For small displacements, x ≈ s, we can think of the displacement and the restoring force acting horizontally.
           Fnet = ma
    - (mg/L)x = ma

  3. Since m, g, and L are constants, the restoring force, - (mg/L)x,  is directly proportional to the displacement and in the opposite direction. The pendulum is an example of simple harmonic motion.
    -a/x = (g/L) = (2p/T)2 = (2pf)2.    f = (1/2p)(g/L)1/2.

    For another approach, write Q = s/L.  For small angles Q is approximately equal to sin Q.  The restoring force - mg sin Q ≈ - mgQ = m d2s/dt2
    = m d2(LQ)/dt2, or - (g/L)Q = d2Q/dt2 and d2Q/dt2 + (g/L)Q = 0.
    This is the same form as d2x/dt2 + (k/m)x = 0,  for which T = 2p (m/k)1/2 and x = A cos (2p/T).  By comparison with the spring, for the pendulum T = 2p (L/g)1/2 and f = 1/T = (1/2p)(g/L)1/2 and Q = Qmax cos (2p/T).

11.

Given x(t) = 0.01 m cos (0.02p s-1 t - p/2) compare with x(t) = A cos (2p t/T + d) and find:
  1. the amplitude A = 0.01 m

  2. 2p/T = 0.02p s-1; period T = 100 s,

  3. the frequency f = 1/T = 0.01 s-1and

  4. the initial phase d = - p/2.

12.




From Fig. 3 above, we see that:
  1. The cosine curve repeats itself every 4.0s so the period T = 4.0 s.

  2. The amplitude of the motion A =10.0 cm.

  3. If we write the equation of motion as a function of the cosine, we let d = 0.
    x(t) = A cos 2pt/T = 10.0 cm cos 2pt/4.0 s = 10.0 cm cos pt s-1/2.

  4. v(t) = dx/dt = -10.0p/2 cm/s sin pt s-1/2
    |vmax| = 5.0p cm/s

  5. a(t) = dv/dt = -10.0 (p/2)2cm/s2 cos pt s-1/2
    |amax| = 2.5p2 cm/s2

13.



For the X-component:

(a) x = r cos Q = r cos wt

(b) vx = dx/dt = - wr sin wt
     ax = dvx/dt = - w2 (r cos wt) = - w2x

(c) ax/x = - w2 = - 4p2f2

(d) (e) Since the acceleration is directly proportional to the displacement and in the opposite direction, the motion is simple harmonic. Remember by Newton's second law of motion the acceleration is directly proportional to, and in the same direction as, the force.

(f) ax/x = - w2 = - 4p2f2 = - k/m  or  w = 2pf = (k/m)1/2


For the Y-component:

(a) y = r sin Q = r sin wt

(b) vy = dy/dt = wr cos wt
     ay = dvy/dt = - w2(r sin wt) = - w2y

(c) ay/y = - w2 = - 4p2f2

(d) (e) The motion is again simple harmonic,  and

(f) ay/y = - w2 = - 4p2f2 = - k/m  or  w = 2pf = (k/m)1/2


14.

For a mass-spring system,

- kx = ma = md2x/dt2  or
d2x/dt2 + (k/m)x = 0, where the period T = 2p (m/k)1/2.
By comparison with
b2d2x/dt2 + c2x = 0  or
d2x/dt2 + (c/b)2x = 0,
we see that in this case T = 2p (b/c).


15.

For a total swing back and forth of 4.0 cm, the amplitude A is 2.0 cm.

For x(t) = A cos 2pt/T,  v(t) = dx/dt = - A2p/T sin 2pt/T.
The maximum velocity of the pendulum occurs at the center of the swing equal to 10 cm/s.

|vmax| = 2pA/T.   T = 2pA/vmax= 2p (2.0 cm)/10 cm/s = 0.4p s.


16.

x(t) = 4.0 cm cos (pt s-1 - p/6).
2.0 cm = 4.0 cm cos (pt s-1 - p/6).
cos (pt s-1 - p/6) = 0.5  and  (pt s-1 - p/6) = p/3 (60o).
v(t) = dx/dt = - 4.0p cm/s sin (pt s-1 - p/6).
When (pt s-1 - p/6) = p/3,  sin p/3 = 0.866  and  v = - 4.0p (0.866) cm/s
= - 10.9 cm/s.


17.


w
= 2pf = 2p (3/2 s-1) = 3p s-1.    xo = 0.25 m and vo = - 1.5 m/s.

We know that  0 < d < p/2  because xo is positive and vo is negative. The initial position of the object is less than the amplitude, but positive, and moving toward the equilibrium position with a negative velocity.

As shown in #8 above,
A = [(xo)2 + (- vo/w)2]1/2 = [(0.25 m)2 + (1.5 m/s/3p s-1)2]1/2 = 0.296 m.
tan d = - vo/wxo = 1.5 m/s/(0.25 m)(3p s-1) = 0.637.
tan-1 0.637 = 0.18p = 32.5o.
x(t) = A cos (2pt/T + d) = 0.296 m cos (3pt s-1 + 0.18p).

Plots of position x and the velocity v as a function of  t  are shown in 17a and 17b above, respectively.  Note xo = 0.25 m and vo = - 1.5 m/s.


18.




Fnet = ma = m d2x/dt2

For Fig. 5a,
- k1x - k2x = - (k1 + k2)x = m d2x/dt2   or
d2x/dt2 + [(k1 + k2)/m]x = 0.
Compare with
d2x/dt2 + [k/m]x = 0 when f = (1/2p)(k/m)1/2
and find for this case,
f = (1/2p)[(k1 + k2)/m]1/2.
The "effective" spring constant for springs in parallel is keff = k1 + k2 . . + kn.

For Fig. 5b, the spring with constant k2 is in contact with mass m that has a displacement  x = x1 + x2,  where x1 is the extension of the spring with constant k1 and x2 is the extension of the spring with constant k2.  The force on the object is:
- k2x2  and  - k2x2 = m d2x/dt2          (Equation 1)
Also,
x = x1 + x2        (Equation 2)
and the magnitude of the force on the second spring due to the first spring equals the magnitude of force on the first spring due to the second spring, or
k1x1 = k2x2  or  x1 = k2x2/k1          (Equation 3)
Substituting Eq. 3 into Eq. 2,
x = (k2x2/k1) + x2 = (k1 + k2)x2/k1 ,   or
x2 = k1x/(k1 + k2)          (Equation 4)
Substituting Eq. 4 into Eq. 1,
- [k2k1/(k1 + k2)]x = m d2x/dt2   or
d2x/dt2 + [{k1k2/(k1 + k2}/m)]x = 0.
Comparing with
d2x/dt2 + [k/m]x = 0
For this case,
f = (1/2p)[{k1k2/(k1 + k2)}/m]1/2.
The "effective" spring constant for series is:
keff = {k1k2/(k1 + k2or
1/keff = 1/k1 + 1/k2 + . .+ 1/kn.



19.

Imagine the spring cut into thirds with each part having a spring constant k’. When the three springs are connected in series, the spring constant is
k = 10.0 N/m.
For series,
1/k = 1/10 N/m = 1/k’ + 1/k’ + 1/k’= 3/k’
k’ = 3k = 30.0 N/m.
When two of these springs with k’ are connected in series,
1/k” = 1/k’ + 1/k’ = 2/30 N/m,
or the spring constant with 2/3 of the spring left (1/3 cut off) is
k” = 15 N/m.
T= 2p(m/k”)12 = 2p(0.30/15)1/2 s = 2p (0.02)1/2 s.


20.




  1. The differential mass dm = msdy/L
    (Fig. 6 above)

  2. Assuming the velocity vy  at y increases linearly with y from 0 at y = 0
    to v at y = L,  vy = vy/L.

  3. dK = 1/2 dm vy2 = 1/2(msdy/L)(vy/L)2.


    The effective mass that takes place in the oscillation is ms/3.
    The fraction of the mass is 1/3.




21.



  1. The slope of force F as a function of the extension x is
    k = (5.0 - 0)N/(0.50 - 0)m = 10 N/m.

  2. For a total mass M and force constant k, the period of the motion is
    T = 2p(M/k)1/2.
    For a spring of effective mass ms’,  M = m + ms’,  where m is the variable mass added to the spring load. For this case
    T = 2p (m + ms’)/k]1/2  or
    T2 = (4p2/k)m +(4p2/k)ms’        (Equation 1)
    If we compare Eq. 1 to the equation of a line, y = (slope)x + (y-intercept),  we see that T2 versus m should yield a straight line and the intercept on the T2 axis is (4p2/k)ms’.  From Fig. 7a above, we find k = 10 N/m. From Fig. 7b above, we find the intercept on the T2 axis = 0.154 s2 = (4p2/k)ms’ = (4p2/10 N/m)ms’.  ms’ = (1.54/4p2)kg = 0.390 kg and ms = 3 x (0.390 kg) = 0.117 kg = 117 g.

  3. When T2 = 0  in Eq. 1,  0 = (4p2/k)m + (4p2/k)ms  or
    ms’ = - m = - (-0.0390 kg).
    ms’ = 0.0390 kg, agreeing with the value found in part (b).

  4. P.S. It helps to have my graphing program that reads off coordinates.

22.




For simple harmonic motion,  a/x = - w2.
For maximum acceleration,  |amax| = Aw2.
For motion in the vertical direction,  (Fnet)y = may = m(0)  or
N - mg = 0  and  N = mg.

The frictional force that keeps the block from slipping on the plate  f = µN = µmg = ma = mAw2.    A = µg/w2 = 0.60(10 m/s2)/(1.5 s-1)2 = 2.7 m.


23.

  1. For the equilibrium position, dU/dr = 0 = (-5a/r6) + (3b/r4).
    Calling r = ro at the equilibrium position,  ro = (5a/3b)1/2.



  2. The reduced mass µ = m/2 and the frequency f = (1/2p)(k/µ)1/2 =
    (1/2p)[(12b/m)(3b/5a)5/2]1/2.

24.




  1. U = mgy

  2. dU/dx = d(mgy)/dx = mg.
    d[R - (R2 - x2)1/2]/dx = mgx/(R2 - x2)1/2.
    For x < < R,  dU/dx = mgx/R.   Fx = - dU/dx = - (mg/R)x.
    The force Fx is directly proportional to the displacement x and in the opposite direction. The motion is simple harmonic.

  3.            Fx = ma  or
    - (mg/R)x = m d2x/dtand  d2x/dt2 + (g/R)x = 0.
    Compare       d2x/dt2 + (k/m)x = 0   (for which T = 2p(m/k)1/2)
    and see for this case T= 2p(R/g)1/2.


25.

  1. When x = A,  v = 0 and K = 0.  In general, E = U + K = 1/2 kx2 + 1/2 mv2. When x = A,  E = 1/2 kA2 + 1/2 m(0) = 1/2 kA2.  Since E is a constant, E always equals:
    1/2 kA2 = 1/2 kx2 + 1/2 mv2               (Equation 1)


  2. Multiplying Eq. 1 by 2/m gives:
    (k/m)A2 = (k/m)x2 + 1/2 mv2  or
    (k/m)(A2 - x2) = v2  and
    v = dx/dt = (k/m)1/2(A2 - x2)1/2.
  3. Separating variables dx/(A2 - x2)1/2 = (k/m)1/2 dt.


    Let x = A sin Q,  dx = A cos Q dQ.
    (A2 - x2)1/2 = A(1 - sin2 Q)1/2 = A cos Q.


    For limits on Q,  xo = A sin Qo and sin Qo = xo/A.
    The lower limit is sin -1 xo/A  and the upper is sin -1 x/A.

    Integrating the above equation gives:
    sin -1 x/A + sin -1 xo/A = (k/m)1/2t   or
    sin -1 x/A = (k/m)1/2t + sin -1 xo/A.
    Letting sin -1 xo/A = d,
    sin -1 x/A = (k/m)1/2t + d   or
    x(t) = A sin [(k/m)1/2t + d].


26.




  1. t = r x F.   t= rF sin r, F.  About the pivot point, the torque for the rod of mass m1 is -(L/2)m1g sin Q and for the point mass it is -Lm2g sin Q. The negative signs occur because they are restoring torques. When the pendulum is swinging counterclockwise, the torque tends to make it swing clockwise. The moment of inertia of the rod about an end is 1/3 m1L2.  The moment of inertia of a point particle of mass m2 a distance L from the axis is m2L2.

  2. t = Ia
    -Lg(m1/2 + m2)sin Q= (m1/3 + m2)L2 d2Q/dt2

    For small Q, sin Q is approximately equal to Q  and
    d2Q/dt2 + [g(m1/2 + m2)/(m1/3 + m2)L]Q = 0.
    Comparing with
    d2x/dt2 + [k/m]x = 0 (for which Period = 2p (m/k)1/2),
    we find for this pendulum,
    Period = 2p [2(m1 + 3m2)L/(m1 + 2m2)3g]1/2


27.




For oscillations about pin axis (Fig. 24 above),
  1. t = r x F.
    t = rF sin r,F = -rmg sin Q ≈ -rmg Q for small Q.
    The moment of inertia about the pin a distance r from the center of mass,
    I = (1/2 mR2 + mr2).
  2.   t= Ia = (I)d2Q/dt2
    -rmgQ = (1/2 mR2 + mr2)d2Q/dt2

  3. or
    d2Q/dt2 + [rg/(1/2 R2 + r2)]Q = 0.
    Compare with
    d2x/dt + [k/m]x = 0 (for which Period = 2p[m/k]1/2)
    and see for the disk,
    Period = 2p[(R2 + 2r2)/2rg]1/2.
  4. For a minimum period,

    d(Period)/dr = 0 =
    2p(1/2)[(2rg)(4r) - (R2 + 2r2)2g]/4r2g2][(R2 + 2r2)/2rg]1/2  or
    (2rg)(4r) = (R2 + 2r2)2g  or
    4r2 = R2 + 2r2  and  2r2 = R2  or
    r = R/(2)1/2.




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