3.6.1.3 Simple harmonic systems

Question 1

Define damping

Answer 1

The reduction in the energy and amplitude of oscillations due to resistive forces on the oscillating system.

It does not affect frequency as amplitude decreases.

Question 2

What are the types of daming?

Answer 2

Light
Heavy
Critical

Question 3

Describe light damping

Answer 3

The amplitude decays exponentially with time - the oscillator oscillates with gradually decreasing amplitude

Question 4

Describe the features of a light damping curve

Question 5

Describe critical damping

Answer 5

When the oscillator is displaced from equilibrium, it will return to rest at its equilibrium position in the shortest possible time without oscillating

Question 6

Describe the features of a critically damped graph

Question 7

Describe heavy damping

Answer 7

When an oscillator is displaced from equilibrium, it will take a long time to return to its equilibrium position without oscillating

Question 8

Describe the features of a heavy damping graph