Define light, critical and heavy damping in simple harmonic motion.

Damping reduces the amplitude of oscillation of a system over time. Critical damping reduces the amplitude of the oscillations to zero in the shortest possible time, returning the system to the equilibrium point. Heavy damping returns the system to the equilibrium point slowly with no full oscillation. Light damping consists of oscillations with decaying amplitude over time (constant time period).

OW
Answered by Oscar W. Physics tutor

17422 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A block of mass (m) is placed on a rough slope inclined at an angle (a) to the horizontal, find an expression in terms of (a) for the smallest coefficient of friction (x), such that the block does not fall down the slope.


In still air an aircraft flies at 200 m/s . The aircraft is heading due north in still air when it flies into a steady wind of 50 m/s blowing from the west. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant velocity?


I do 400J of work compressing a gas, but I maintain the same temperature. What is the delta U, Q and W in this case?


What is the stress in a cylindrical rod of 10.0cm diameter when loaded by 50.0N force at each end?


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning