Module 5: Trigonometry Applications and Identities

 

Discover
 
Try This 1

 

Open Pistons. The applet shows parts of two different engines, each with a different type of connecting rod. The dimensions of the two mechanisms are the same. Drag the blue dot upward to see the pistons move.

 

 

This play button opens Pistons.

  1. How is the motion of the two pistons similar? How is the motion different?
  2. Pay attention to the motion of the pistons. What causes the slight difference in height at some points?
  3. When are the two pistons the same height? When is the difference in their heights the greatest?
  4. Sketch piston height versus time for both pistons on the same graph. Your sketch does not need to include any numbers. Assume both crankshafts are rotating at a constant rate.

course folder Save your answers in your course folder.

 

Share 1

 

With a partner or group, discuss the following questions based on your graph created in Try This 1.

  1. How are the two graphs similar? How are they different?
  2. When the crankshafts are rotating at a constant rate, the height versus time function is the same shape as y = sin x for only one of the two systems. Which system is the shape of y = sin x? Explain your choice.
course folder If required, save a record of your discussion in your course folder.

The following diagram shows some of the moving parts of an engine for the two different styles of connecting rods shown. These may help in your description of how each engine type moves.

 

 
This diagram labels the piston, rod, and crankshaft from two different styles of engine.