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4.8 Applications & Models Notes

The document discusses the applications of trigonometric functions in modeling simple harmonic motion (SHM), such as the oscillation of a ball on a spring. It outlines key concepts including period, amplitude, frequency, and how to derive equations for SHM using sine or cosine functions. Examples are provided to illustrate the modeling of various oscillatory motions, including a weight on a spring and a pendulum.

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11 views3 pages

4.8 Applications & Models Notes

The document discusses the applications of trigonometric functions in modeling simple harmonic motion (SHM), such as the oscillation of a ball on a spring. It outlines key concepts including period, amplitude, frequency, and how to derive equations for SHM using sine or cosine functions. Examples are provided to illustrate the modeling of various oscillatory motions, including a weight on a spring and a pendulum.

Uploaded by

redotamessaging
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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4.

8: Trigonometric Applications & Models


The periodic nature of trigonometric functions is useful for describing the motion of a point on an object that
vibrates, oscillates, rotates, or is moved by wave motion.

For example, consider a ball that is bobbing up and down on the end of a spring, as shown in the Figure below.
Suppose that 10 centimeters is the maximum distance the ball moves vertically upward or downward from its
equilibrium (at rest) position. Suppose further that the time it takes for the ball to move from its maximum
displacement above zero to its maximum displacement below zero and back again is 𝑡 = 4 seconds. Assuming the
ideal conditions of perfect elasticity and no friction or air resistance, the ball would continue to move up and down
in a uniform and regular manner

The period, or time it takes to complete one oscillation, is _________________.

The amplitude, or its maximum displacement from rest, is _______________.

The frequency, or number of cycles per second is ____________.

The motion of the spring in the figure above mimics a __________ wave.

Find a Model for Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

1. Choose sine or cosine. If the motion starts at equilibrium use _______________. If it starts at the maximum
or minimum use _____________.
2. Use 𝒅 = 𝒂 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝝎𝒕 or 𝒅 = 𝒂 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝝎𝒕.
a. Find the amplitude, 𝑎, which is the height from equilibrium.
i. 𝑎 is positive if the function reaches its maximum first and 𝑎 is negative if the function
reaches its minimum first.
𝟐𝝅 𝝎
b. Find the angular frequency 𝝎, from the period, 𝑻 = 𝝎
, or frequency, 𝒇 = 𝟐𝝅.
3. 𝑑 is the displacement of the particle after oscillating a certain amount of time 𝑡
Example 1 Write an equation for the simple harmonic motion of the ball described on the previous page.

Example 2 Consider a weight bouncing on the end of a spring. At time 𝑡 = 0, the weight is in the center

equilibrium position of 𝑦 = 0. At time 𝑡 = 0.5, the weight is at the lowest point 𝑦 = −2.
Then at 𝑡 = 1, the weight is back at equilibrium. Next at 𝑡 = 1.5, the weight is at the highest point 𝑦 = 2.

Finally at 𝑡 = 2, the weight is back in the center equilibrium position. Find an equation for the simple
harmonic motion of the weight. What is its frequency?

Example 3 A pendulum is pulled back 20° off center and released. It takes the pendulum a quarter of a
second to reach the other side, and swings back and forth. Determine a simple harmonic motion
function, 𝑓(𝑡), that represents the angle of the pendulum with respect to time.

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