How to calculate dampening coefficient?

  • Thread starter donkeycopter
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Coefficient
In summary, the conversation discusses calculating the magnitude of the damping coefficient for a 100g mass moving on a spring with a force constant. The mass is released with an amplitude of 0.2m and after oscillating for 5.00s, the amplitude decreases by 0.1m. The relevant equation for finding the damping coefficient is c=Fv, but the person is unsure of how to use it and suggests looking in a textbook for equations related to the damped harmonic oscillator.
  • #1
donkeycopter
40
0

Homework Statement



A 100g mass moves on the end of a spring with force constant . It is released with an amplitude 0.2m. A damping force acts on the egg. After it oscillates for 5.00 s, the amplitude of the motion has decreased by 0.1m.Calculate the magnitude of the damping coefficient .

Homework Equations



I have no idea, research online doesn't show anything which seems relevant. I've found the equation: c=Fv (where c is the coefficient) but I don't see how that will be helpful.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Doesn't your textbook discuss the damped harmonic oscillator? Surely there are equations in there that are relevant.
 

1. What is the formula for calculating dampening coefficient?

The formula for calculating dampening coefficient is: C = (ln(A/A')/n), where A is the amplitude of the initial oscillation, A' is the amplitude of the subsequent oscillations, and n is the number of oscillations.

2. How do I determine the number of oscillations to use in the formula?

The number of oscillations, n, used in the formula can be determined by measuring the time it takes for the amplitude of the oscillation to decrease by a certain percentage, such as 50%. Then, divide this time by the period of one oscillation, which can be calculated by dividing the total time by the number of oscillations.

3. Can dampening coefficient be negative?

No, dampening coefficient cannot be negative as it is a measure of how much the oscillation decreases over time. If the oscillation increases, the coefficient will be positive, and if the oscillation remains constant, the coefficient will be zero.

4. What is a good range for dampening coefficient?

The range for dampening coefficient can vary depending on the system being analyzed. In general, the coefficient will be between 0 and 1, with a higher coefficient indicating a faster decrease in the amplitude of the oscillation.

5. What are some real-world applications of calculating dampening coefficient?

Dampening coefficient is commonly used in various fields such as engineering, physics, and economics to analyze the behavior of systems that exhibit oscillatory motion. It can also be used to study the effect of resistance on a system and determine the stability of a system over time.

Similar threads

Difference between resonance in undamped vs damped mass-spring-dashpot
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
386
Explaining Damping with a car's suspension
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
Finding the damping force for a critically damped oscillator
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Oscillating horizontal mass attached to a spring with Friction
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
How to find the coefficient of kinetic friction
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Oscillation related to electromagnetic induction
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
SHM Energy Conservation in a Spring
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
How to solve a differential equation for a mass-spring oscillator?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Waves and Vibrations -- Vector Diagram
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
2K
Change in the amplitude of a damped spring block oscillator
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
932

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top