# Logarithmic decrement

by Jamin2112
Tags: decrement, logarithmic
 P: 910 1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data Basically, I have LQ''(t) + RQ'(t) + (1/C)Q(t)=0, and I'm supposed to "Show that the ration of the charge Q between two successive maxima is given by exp(RTd/2L), where Td is the time between two successive maxima. The natural logarithm of this ration is called the logarithmic decrement. 2. Relevant equations Dunno 3. The attempt at a solution So I got a solution Q(t)=e(-Rt)/(2L) [ C1cos( (√(R2-4L/C) )/(2L)t) + C2sin( (√(R2-4L/C) )/(2L)t). But I can't figure out how to find Td. I mean, I could always find t when dQ/dt=0; but then I'd have to plug two values of t back into Q(t) and find the difference, and ............ So what's the right way to do this?
 HW Helper P: 3,307 First notice the sin & cos terms have the same argument & the choice of c1 & c2 will just choose an overall phase. So for this argument set c2 = 0. Then the maxima will just be where cos is maximum and successive maxima will occur where the argument of cos has changed by 2pi
HW Helper
Thanks
PF Gold
P: 7,642
 Quote by lanedance First notice the sin & cos terms have the same argument & the choice of c1 & c2 will just choose an overall phase. So for this argument set c2 = 0. Then the maxima will just be where cos is maximum and successive maxima will occur where the argument of cos has changed by 2pi
Not exactly. The max's don't agree with the max's of the cosine, but the right idea. To the OP, just look at e-btcos(at+c).

 HW Helper P: 3,307 Logarithmic decrement good pickup thanks - They will be pretty close when the natural frequency is much larger that the decay constant, but you do need to take the exponential into account

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