alleryStart learning →How does an overdamped system compare with a critically damped one on its way back to equilibrium?
AIt reaches equilibrium in the same time
BIt oscillates many times before settling
CIt reaches equilibrium far more quickly
DIt moves toward equilibrium more slowly
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. It moves toward equilibrium more slowly
1. Critical damping is by definition the damping that returns a system to equilibrium as quickly as possible.
2. Anything heavier than critical damping must therefore be slower, not faster.
3. So an overdamped system creeps back toward equilibrium over a longer time.
4. Repeated oscillation on the way back is the mark of underdamping, not overdamping.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 16 "Oscillatory Motion and Waves", section 16.7 Damped Harmonic Motion_
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