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Simple Harmonic motion-graphs

  1. Jan 14, 2008 #1

    Using the acceleration as a function of time graph, we are required to sketch the position as function of time graph

    2. Relevant equations
    I know that the position vs. time graph is a cosine wave and the aforementioned is a sine wave. I have NO idea how to start considering there are no numbers involved.

    3. The attempt at a solution

    I tried to plot the point of the a vs time graph corresponding to the position...only 1/4 back. In the end, i got a graph that looked EXACTLY like the first. help?
  2. jcsd
  3. Jan 14, 2008 #2


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    Homework Helper

    if [itex]a=-\omega^2 x[/itex]

    it is possible to write x as a function of time....[itex]x=x_0 sin(\omega t)[/itex]
  4. Jan 14, 2008 #3
    I think this is meant to be in variables.
    so given the definition of the cosine graph, we know the amplitude and the period.
  5. Jan 15, 2008 #4
    well since the a vs t graph is a cosine function, wouldn't the x vs. t graph be a negative cosine function? (basically the same thing--inverted?)
  6. Jan 15, 2008 #5
    correct, though not entirely. the position graph will be adjusted by some constant. take a look at rockfreaks equation, what is it?
  7. Jan 15, 2008 #6
    ooh i understand it now! Thanks eeryone