The amplitude and phase constant of an oscillator are determined by:
A)the frequency
B)the angular frequency
C)the initial displacement alone
D)the initial velocity alone
E)both the initial displacement and velocity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both the initial displacement and velocity determine the amplitude and phase constant of an oscillator according to the equations:

A = sqrt(x_0^2 + (v_0/ω)^2)   (amplitude)
ϕ = arctan(-v_0/(ωx_0))      (phase constant)

where x_0 is the initial displacement, v_0 is the initial velocity, and ω is the angular frequency. It's important to note that frequency and angular frequency are related but not the same thing, and do not determine the amplitude and phase constant on their own.

The Amplitude and Phase Constant of an Oscillator Are Determined