The position of a mass that is oscillating on a spring is given by x = (17.4 cm) cos[(5.46 s^-1)t]. What is the angular frequency for this motion? A) 0.183 rad/s B) 5.46 rad/s C) 2.34 rad/s D) 17.4 rad/s E) 0.869 rad/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The equation given for the position of the mass is x = (17.4 cm) cos[(5.46 rad/s)t], where the angular frequency ω = 5.46 rad/s. This can be seen by comparing the given equation to the standard form for simple harmonic motion, x = A cos(ωt), where A is the amplitude and ω is the angular frequency. Therefore, the answer is choice B, 5.46 rad/s.

The Position of a Mass That Is Oscillating on a Spring