Explain the process of damping. Differentiate between damped and undamped oscillations. - Students Free Notes

Explain the process of damping. Differentiate between damped and undamped oscillations.

Damping is the gradual decrease in the amplitude of an oscillating system due to resistive forces such as friction, air resistance, or internal material forces.

Types of oscillations:

  1. Undamped oscillations: The amplitude remains constant because no external resistive force is present. Example: an ideal pendulum in a vacuum.
  2. Damped oscillations: The amplitude decreases over time due to energy loss in the form of heat or sound. Example: a swinging pendulum in air.

Causes of damping:

  • Air resistance
  • Internal friction within the material
  • Energy dissipation into surrounding media

Applications of damping:

  • Shock absorbers in vehicles
  • Seismographs to record earthquakes
  • Reducing vibrations in machinery for smooth operation