Damping

Question 1

Damping

Answer 1

When an external force acts on an oscillator and reduces the amplitude of its oscillations

Question 2

Light Damping

Answer 2

Small damping that causes the amplitude to gradually decrease with time, but the period of oscillation is almost unchanged throughout

Question 3

Heavy Damping

Answer 3

Large damping forces cause the amplitude to decrease significantly, and the period of the oscillation to increase slightly

Question 4

Critical Damping

Answer 4

When a very large damping force causes the oscillator to move slowly towards its equilibrium position and stop it oscillating beyond the equilibrium position

Question 5

Free oscillation

Answer 5

The motion of a mechanical system displaced from its equilibrium position and allowed to oscillate without any external forces

Question 6

Natural frequency

Answer 6

The frequency of an oscillator when in free oscillation (no external forces acting)

Question 7

Forced oscillation

Answer 7

An oscillation in which a periodic driving force is applied to the oscillator

Question 8

Resonance

Answer 8

When the periodic driving frequency is equal to the natural frequency of the oscillator. Oscillator is driven to large amplitudes and the maximum energy transfer occurs from the driver to the oscillator