Question

A particle executes simple harmonic motion with an amplitude of 1.69 cm. At what positive displacement from the midpoint of its motion does its speed equal one half of its maximum speed

Answer 1

Answer: 0.0146m

Explanation: The formula that defines the velocity of a simple harmonic motion is given as

v = ω√A² - x²

Where v = linear velocity, A = amplitude = 1.69cm = 0.0169m, x = displacement.

The maximum speed of a simple harmonic motion is derived when x = A, hence v = ωA

One half of maximum speed = speed of motion

3ωA/2 = ω√A² - x²

ω cancels out on both sides of the equation, hence we have that

A/2 = √A² - x²

(0.0169)/2 = √(0.0169² - x²)

0.00845 = √(0.0169² - x²)

By squaring both sides, we have that

0.00845² = 0.0169² - x²

x² = 0.0169² - 0.00845²

x² = 0.0002142

x = √0.0002142

x = 0.0146m