A block is executing simple harmonic motion and its position is given by \(x = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)\). At time \(t = 0\), the ratio of the kinetic energy to the potential energy is \(\frac{1}{3}\). The magnitude of the phase angle \(\phi\) is:
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In SHM, \(\frac{KE}{PE} = \tan^2 \phi\) at any instant. Use position at t=0 to find phase angle if KE/PE ratio is known.
Step 1: Kinetic and potential energy in SHM.
\[
KE = \frac{1}{2} m \omega^2 (A^2 - x^2),\quad PE = \frac{1}{2} m \omega^2 x^2
\]
At \(t=0, x = A \cos\phi\). The ratio given is:
\[
\frac{KE}{PE} = \frac{A^2 - A^2 \cos^2 \phi}{A^2 \cos^2 \phi} = \frac{\sin^2 \phi}{\cos^2 \phi} = \tan^2 \phi
\]
Step 2: Solve for \(\phi\).
\[
\tan^2 \phi = \frac{KE}{PE} = \frac{1}{3} \Rightarrow \tan \phi = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \Rightarrow \phi = 30^\circ
\]
Step 3: Conclusion.
The phase angle is 30°.