Damping Constant: Solving for b Homework

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving for the damping constant (b) in a damped harmonic oscillator scenario. The amplitude of the oscillation has decreased to 80% of its original height (0.1m) after 10 oscillations, with a mass of 2 kg and a spring constant (k) of 5000 N/m. The correct approach involves recognizing that the provided equations assume no damping, which is not applicable in this case. The expected value for the damping constant is 0.71 kg/s, indicating the need for a different formula that accounts for damping effects.

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  • Knowledge of the relationship between amplitude decay and damping constant
  • Basic grasp of spring constants and mass in oscillatory systems
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Tylerladiesman217
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Homework Statement


I am solving for the damping constant (b). The amplitude has decreased to 80% of its original height (0.1m) after 10 oscillations. The mass is 2 kg, k is 5000 N/m, w is 50 rads/s, T = pi/25 s.

Homework Equations


x = 0.1cos(50t)
v = -5sin(50t)
a = -250cos(50t)

The Attempt at a Solution


I am not sure what equation to use, I tried
w = ((k/m)-(b^2/4(m)^2))^1/2
 
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Helo Tyler, :welcome:

With those equations you'll never be able to solve for the damping constant -- it doesn't appear !
Where do you think it should be sitting ?
 
BvU said:
Helo Tyler, :welcome:

With those equations you'll never be able to solve for the damping constant -- it doesn't appear !
Where do you think it should be sitting ?
I'm not sure, the answer in the back of the book is 0.71 kg/s. I think that I might need to use a different formula, but I'm not sure.
 
What I meant is that your relevant equations feature a constant amplitude: no damping.
 
BvU said:
What I meant is that your relevant equations feature a constant amplitude: no damping.
Those are the equations assuming no damping. Maybe they aren't relative...
 
Tylerladiesman217 said:
I am solving for the damping constant (b). The amplitude has decreased to 80% of its original height (0.1m) after 10 oscillations
So you can not use ##x = 0.1\cos(50t)## . The link I gave you should help you further...
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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