How do you calculate the phase constant in degrees given amplitude and frequency?

you have to be given something else.

y(t)=A cos(wt+PHI) knowing w, A is not enought, Knowing t would be helpful, and y(t).

I know one oscillation is 48seconds (I was given a sinusoidal graph to determine the previously stated values from)

To calculate the phase constant in degrees given the amplitude and frequency, you need to have additional information, such as the position or time at which the wave reaches its maximum amplitude. The phase constant represents the initial position or time offset of the wave from a reference point.

The formula to calculate the phase constant is as follows:

Phase constant (in radians) = Arcsin(amplitude) - (2π × frequency × time/360)

To convert the phase constant from radians to degrees, you can use the following conversion factor:

Phase constant (in degrees) = Phase constant (in radians) × (180/π)

Let's go through the step-by-step process of calculating the phase constant:

1. Determine the amplitude (A) of the wave. It represents the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.

2. Find the frequency (f) of the wave. It represents the number of complete oscillations or cycles per unit of time, usually measured in Hertz (Hz).

3. Determine the reference point or time at which the wave reaches its maximum amplitude. This can be given in the problem statement or observed from a graph of the wave.

4. Calculate the phase constant (in radians) using the formula:
Phase constant (in radians) = Arcsin(amplitude) - (2π × frequency × time/360)

The Arcsin function, or inverse sine function, helps find the angle whose sine equals the given amplitude. This accounts for the initial position of the wave.

5. Convert the phase constant from radians to degrees using the conversion factor:
Phase constant (in degrees) = Phase constant (in radians) × (180/π)

By following these steps, you can calculate the phase constant in degrees given the amplitude and frequency of a wave, along with the necessary supporting information.