Write an equation for the simple harmonic motion of a ball on a coil that is at rest when t=0 and then propelled downward 5 inches. The cycle returns to equilibrium every 10 seconds. How do I write an equation for this?

Question

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

Here's what is going on https://d2jmvrsizmvf4x.cloudfront.net/OmZ18e3T0eOkw9qFoQR9_221.anim.gif

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

The ball is going up and down. If you graphed the height on the y axis and the time on the x axis, then you get that sinusoid curve

lerenstudy · Answer

Okay, so is the rest point the lowest point?

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

The rest point is when t = 0. Then it's propelled downward 5 inches

So that implies the rest point is above the lowest point
It implies the rest point is probably at equilibrium

Imagine after all the bouncing up and down, the ball will slow down and eventually get back to the rest point (equilibrium)

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

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jim_thompson5910 · Answer

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jim_thompson5910 · Answer

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jim_thompson5910 · Answer

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jim_thompson5910 · Answer

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jim_thompson5910 · Answer

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lerenstudy · Answer

So it should be a negative sin function, right?

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

yes the curve looks like this

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