Energy of an damped/undriven oscillator in terms of time?

In summary, the question is asking for the time rate of change of mechanical energy for a damped, undriven oscillator, which can be represented by the equation dE/dt=-bV^2. The student is unsure how to express the total energy equation E=(1/2)mV^2 + (1/2)kx^2 in terms of time, and wonders if they should substitute the position equation x(t)=(Ae^(-βt))cos(ωt-δ) for x and its derivative for V, and then take the derivative of the entire equation. However, they feel this may be too complicated and may not provide enough understanding of the concept.
  • #1
GreenTikiFire
2
0

Homework Statement



The Q asks to show that the time rate of change in mechanical energy for a damped, undriven oscillator is dE/dt=-bV^2.

Homework Equations



I assume you take the derivative of the total E eq, E=(1/2)mV^2 + (1/2)kx^2 but I'm unsure how to put the E eq into terms of t, like E(t).

The Attempt at a Solution



Would you have to punch in the pos eq [x(t)=(Ae^(-βt))cos(ωt-δ)] in for x, then its derivative in for V? and then takes that entire eq's derivative? Seems like it would be too much work and not enough concept.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
i can't seem to get it in the form dE/dt=-bV^2.
 

1. What is an damped/undriven oscillator?

An damped/undriven oscillator is a system that experiences periodic motion without the influence of external forces. It is characterized by a restoring force that is proportional to the displacement of the object from its equilibrium position.

2. How is the energy of an damped/undriven oscillator affected by time?

The energy of an damped/undriven oscillator decreases over time due to the presence of damping forces, which dissipate the energy of the system. As time passes, the amplitude of the oscillations decreases, resulting in a decrease in the total energy of the system.

3. What is the relationship between the amplitude and energy of an damped/undriven oscillator?

The amplitude of an damped/undriven oscillator is directly proportional to its energy. As the amplitude decreases, the energy of the oscillator also decreases. This is because the amplitude is a measure of the maximum displacement from equilibrium, which is directly related to the potential energy of the system.

4. How does the damping ratio affect the energy of an damped/undriven oscillator?

The damping ratio, which is a measure of the strength of damping forces, has a significant impact on the energy of an damped/undriven oscillator. A higher damping ratio results in a faster decrease in energy and a shorter duration of oscillations, while a lower damping ratio allows the energy to dissipate more slowly and the oscillations to last longer.

5. Is the energy of an damped/undriven oscillator conserved?

No, the energy of an damped/undriven oscillator is not conserved due to the presence of damping forces. These forces dissipate the energy of the system, resulting in a decrease in the total energy over time. However, in the absence of damping, the energy of an undriven oscillator would remain constant, as it is conserved in a closed, conservative system.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
824
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Back
Top