Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematical-methods-i-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2016-resit/11/a/solution

Assume , and . The spring constant measures restoring force per displacement from the equilibrium position . The term is linear drag, with damping rate in inverse-time units. Writing , the equation is
For small positive damping it gives underdamped motion: oscillations about with a decaying amplitude. If , the motion is undamped simple harmonic motion.

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