Worksheet

Question 1

In a damped oscillation, all the quantities below decrease when time increases EXCEPT

A. amplitude
B. period
C. total energy
D. maximum speed

Question 2

Which of the systems below performs critically damped oscillation?

A. A simple pendulum oscillating in air.

B. A mass-spring system oscillating in air.
C. A car suspension system when the shock absorber is not functioning.
D. Vibration of the diaphragm of a loudspeaker.

Question 3
Explain what is meant by

(a) free oscillations

(b) damped oscillations.

Question 4
(a) Name the three types of damped oscillations.

(b) On the same axes, sketch the displacement-time graph for each type of damped oscillations

Question 5
In a mass-spring system, the mass is displaced slightly from the equilibrium position and then
released. State which type of damped oscillation occurs if

(a) the system is in air.

(b) the system is in a viscous liquid where the oscillation will stop in the shortest time.
(c) the system is in a very viscous liquid where the mass will take a very long time to return to
its equilibrium position.
Question 6

A mass of 2.0 kg undergoes damped oscillation and the displacement-time graph is shown
below.

Displacement/cm

time/x10-1 s
10 20 30 40

(a) What type of damping is the system undergoing?

(b) What is the frequency of the system?
(c) Sketch the amplitude-time graph for the oscillation.
(d) Calculate the energy loss during the second oscillation.

Question 7
In a mass-spring system, give two sources damping.

Question 8
State one advantage and one disadvantage of critically damped oscillation.