- #1
RJLiberator
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Homework Statement
I am taksed with putting some simple harmonic motion (in this case linear harmonic motion) into graphs.
For my first graph, I am graphing theta vs. time and analyzing three different numerical methods for the solution (Euler, Euler-cramer, Runge Katta).
For my second graph, I am looking at the Energy vs. time based on these results.
Attached in the solutions are my results.
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
MOTION:
ENERGY:
Unfortuantely the labels are hard to read from jpg format. But the Euler method= black, the euler-cromer = red = runge-kutta method = blue.
My question is this: I know that my linear harmonic oscillator graph for motion is correct. I have a feeling my energy calculation is wrong, which is why I am posting here.
My energy calculation for euler method seems consistent. The energy continues to grow, infinite energy! Which is the problem with the Euler method here.
But my energy calculation for Runge-kutta and Euler-cromer method, I would have thought, were supposed to be a constant.
Or is my interpretation wrong and my graph actually correct?