What is damping in Simple Harmonic Motion?

An oscillation is damped if resistive forces are present e.g. air resistance or friction.
The amplitude of the system will decrease over time, as opposed to a free oscillation which is undamped (no resistive forces) and will have a constant amplitude.
Light damping occurs when the resistive forces acting are small – many oscillations occur but the time period stays constant as the amplitude falls. E.g. simple pendulum in air.
Critical damping occurs when the system stops oscillating after the shortest possible time. E.g. A car suspension system
Heavy damping occurs when the resistive forces acting are large – not even one complete oscillation occurs as the system slowly returns to equilibrium. E.g. A push tap in a public toilet.

CD
Answered by Chris D. Physics tutor

26735 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does gravitational potential energy have a negative value?


Explain why a transformer is used in electrical power lines.


What is dimensional analysis and how is it used?


A small ball of mass 150 g is placed at a height of 20cm above the ground on an incline of 35°. It is released and allowed to roll down the slope; what will be the ball's speed when it reaches the ground? Assume friction and air resistance can be ignored.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences