What is critical damping of an oscillating system?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. The system returns to equilibrium in the shortest time without oscillating
- Step 1: Light damping gives decaying oscillations, heavy damping gives a slow return, and critical damping gives the fastest return without overshoot. Answer: The system returns to equilibrium in the shortest time without oscillating. Why not the others: decreasing oscillations describe light damping; constant oscillations describe no damping; a very heavily damped system returns slowly, but still returns.
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