Five particles undergo damped harmonic motion.Values for the spring constant k, the damping constant b, and the mass m are given below.Which leads to the smallest rate of loss of mechanical energy?
A)k = 100 N/m, m = 50 g, b = 8 g∙m/s
B)k = 150 N/m, m = 50 g, b = 5 g∙m/s
C)k = 150 N/m, m = 10 g, b = 8 g∙m/s
D)k = 200 N/m, m = 8 g, b = 6 g∙m/s
E)k = 100 N/m, m = 2 g, b = 4 g∙m/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate of loss of mechanical energy in a damped harmonic oscillator is directly proportional to the damping constant $b$. The smaller the value of $b$, the slower the rate of energy loss. Among the given options, option B has the smallest damping constant ($b = 5$ g∙m/s), leading to the smallest rate of loss of mechanical energy.

Five Particles Undergo Damped Harmonic Motion