Damped oscillations in a vacuum chamber

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the number of oscillations completed by a 200 g oscillator in a vacuum chamber, which has a frequency of 2.0 Hz. Initially, the amplitude decreases to 60% in 50 seconds when air is introduced. The user attempts to find the time it takes for the amplitude to reach 30% of its initial value but initially miscalculates the time as 118 seconds. After clarification, the correct approach reveals that the number of oscillations completed during this time is 236. The importance of carefully reading the problem statement is emphasized to avoid errors.
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Homework Statement



A 200 g oscillator in a vacuum chamber has a frequency of 2.0 Hz. When air is admitted, the oscillation decreases to 60% of its initial amplitude in 50 s.

How many oscillations will have been completed when the amplitude is 30% of its initial value?

Homework Equations

A=A_0e^{-bt/2m}

The Attempt at a Solution

0.60=e^{-bt/2m}ln(0.60)=-bt/2m\frac{b=-(2m)ln(0.60)}{t}=\frac{(-2)(.200)ln(0.60)}{50}=.004090.30=e^{-bt/2m}ln(0.30)=-bt/2mt=\frac{-(2m)ln(0.30)}{b}=\frac{-(2)(.200)ln(0.30)}{.00409}=118s118s is not correct. Where am I going wrong? This seems like such an easy/straightforward question.
 
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Read the problem carefully, it asks the number of oscillation.

ehild
 
ehild said:
Read the problem carefully, it asks the number of oscillations...

I need to slow down sometimes! Thanks for the heads-up. Here is the last step I was missing (and the correct answer):

oscillations=(f)(t)=\left (2s^{-1} \right )\left (118s \right )=236
 
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