The amplitude of a linearly damped harmonic oscillator decreases from 60.0 cm to 40.0 cm in 10.0 s. What will be the amplitude of the harmonic oscillator after another 10.0 s passes?
A)20.0 cm
B)16.7 cm
C)30.0 cm
D)0.00 cm
E)26.7 cm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The amplitude of a damped harmonic oscillator decreases exponentially. If it decreases from 60.0 cm to 40.0 cm in 10.0 s, it will decrease by the same factor in the next 10.0 s. The factor is 40/60 = 2/3. So, the amplitude after another 10.0 s will be 40 cm * (2/3) = 26.7 cm.

The Amplitude of a Linearly Damped Harmonic Oscillator Decreases from 60.0