Four particles undergo damped harmonic motion. Values of 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 at the initial moment?
Options

Question

Four particles undergo damped harmonic motion. Values of 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 at the initial moment?

Options

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

For equal initial displacement and zero initial velocity, the initial mechanical-energy loss rate is proportional to the damping coefficient b times v²; the subsequent early decay is slowest for the smallest damping ratio b/(2√(km)). Comparing the listed sets, option B has the smallest damping ratio. Hence option B.