Why does mechanical energy of a damped oscillator not vary with spring constant?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanical energy of a damped oscillator and its relationship with the spring constant. Participants explore the equations governing mechanical energy, the effects of damping, and the interpretation of specific problems from a textbook.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the mechanical energy of a damped oscillator is part of the equation involving the spring constant, damping constant, and mass.
  • Others argue that the mechanical energy does depend on the spring constant, questioning the initial claims.
  • A participant references a textbook problem that suggests mechanical energy does not depend on the spring constant when considering the percentage change of energy over time.
  • Another participant clarifies that the question pertains to the rate of decay of energy and emphasizes the importance of understanding the initial energy value.
  • There is confusion regarding the specific equation and the reference to a figure from the textbook, with requests for clarification on the content of that figure.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the mechanical energy of a damped oscillator varies with the spring constant. The discussion remains unresolved, with competing interpretations of the textbook problem and the underlying equations.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the clarity of the equations referenced and the assumptions made about the initial conditions and definitions of energy in the context of damping.

MenchiKatsu
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I mean its part of the equation. 1/2 x k x xm x e^-bt/m for mechanical energy
 
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The mechanical energy of a damped oscillator does depend on the spring constant. What makes you think it doesn’t?
 
MenchiKatsu said:
I mean its part of the equation. 1/2 x k x xm x e^-bt/m for mechanical energy
What equation? I see no such thing.
 
Here are three sets of values for the spring constant, damping constant, and mass for the damped oscillator of Fig. 15-16. Rank the sets according to the time re-quired for the mechanical energy to decrease to one-fourth of its initial value, greatest first.
This is from halliday and resnick chapter 15. Checkpoint 6. The answer says it doesn't depend on spring constant.
 
Note that they carefully ask about the percentage change of energy over time. They are not saying, as you claim thay are, that

"mechanical energy of a damped oscillator not vary with spring constant"

 
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MenchiKatsu said:
Here are three sets of values for the spring constant, damping constant, and mass for the damped oscillator of Fig. 15-16.
Where are they? What does Fig. 15-16 show?
 
Here it is
 

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Rate of decay (λ) depends on the b/m relation. You are confused about the value of the initial energy, which is:
1740609224128.png

and the equation of energy in terms of time t:
1740609257688.png


edit: deleted some part of the reply due I provided the entire solution
 
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