An oscillator is subjected to a damping force that is proportional to its velocity.A sinusoidal force is applied to it.After a long time:
A)its amplitude is an increasing function of time
B)its amplitude is a decreasing function of time
C)its amplitude is constant
D)its amplitude is a decreasing function of time only if the damping constant is large
E)its amplitude increases over some portions of a cycle and decreases over other portions

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an oscillator is subjected to a damping force proportional to its velocity and a sinusoidal force is applied, after a long time, it reaches a steady state where the amplitude becomes constant. This is due to the balance between the energy input from the sinusoidal force and the energy dissipation due to damping.

An Oscillator Is Subjected to a Damping Force That Is