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

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SUMMARY

The mechanical energy of a damped oscillator is governed by the equation 1/2 x k x xm x e^-bt/m, where k represents the spring constant. While the spring constant is a factor in the equation, the rate of decay of mechanical energy does not depend on it, as clarified in Halliday and Resnick's Chapter 15, Checkpoint 6. The discussion emphasizes that the percentage change of energy over time is the critical aspect, not the absolute value influenced by the spring constant.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of damped oscillators and their equations
  • Familiarity with the concepts of mechanical energy and decay rates
  • Knowledge of Halliday and Resnick physics textbook, specifically Chapter 15
  • Basic grasp of exponential functions and their applications in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the equations governing damped oscillators in Halliday and Resnick
  • Study the relationship between damping constant (b) and mass (m) in oscillatory systems
  • Explore the concept of energy decay rates in mechanical systems
  • Investigate the implications of varying spring constants on oscillatory motion
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone studying mechanical systems and oscillatory motion will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focusing on the dynamics of damped oscillators.

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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