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.

Answered by Chris D. Physics tutor

24096 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

State Ohm's Law and the main characteristics of ohmic conductors, giving examples


A spacecraft called Deep Space 1, mass 486 kg, uses an “ion-drive” engine which expels 0.13 kg of xenon propellant each day at 30kms^-1. What is the initial increase in speed of the spacecraft


What are Newton's three laws?


A student has a mass of 80kg. How much would the student weigh on the surface of the Moon?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences