Twp particles are oscillating along two close parallel straight line s...
Oscillation of Two Particles
When two particles are oscillating along two close parallel straight lines side by side, with the same frequency and amplitude, their motion can be described by simple harmonic motion (SHM).
Passing Each Other
As the particles pass each other, they are moving in opposite directions. At this particular moment, when their displacement is half of the amplitude, the mean position of the two particles lies on a straight line perpendicular to the path of the two particles.
Phase Difference
The phase difference between two particles in SHM can be determined by comparing their displacements or the time taken to reach a certain position.
In this case, when the two particles pass each other, their displacement is half of the amplitude. This means that one particle is at its maximum displacement, while the other is at its minimum displacement. The maximum displacement occurs when the particle is furthest from its mean position, while the minimum displacement occurs when the particle is closest to its mean position.
Therefore, the phase difference between the two particles is half of a complete cycle or 180 degrees. This means that one particle is ahead of the other by half a cycle or 180 degrees in terms of its oscillation.
Explanation
To understand why the mean position of the two particles lies on a straight line perpendicular to their path, we can consider the displacement-time graphs of the particles.
When the particles are at their maximum and minimum displacements, their velocities are zero. This means that they momentarily stop at these positions before changing direction. At these specific moments, the particles are at their extreme points of displacement and are moving in opposite directions.
Since the mean position of the particles lies on a straight line perpendicular to their path, it indicates that the particles are moving in phase with each other when they pass each other. This means that both particles are at the same phase of their oscillation, but with opposite displacements.
As a result, the phase difference between the two particles is 180 degrees, indicating that one particle is ahead of the other by half a cycle.
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