Damped SHM Displacement (x(t) = A·e^(-bt/2m)·cos(ω't + φ), where ω' = √(ω₀² )

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x(t) = A·e^(-bt/2m)·cos(ω't + φ), where ω' = √(ω₀² - (b/2m)²)

What each symbol means

SymbolWhat it stands for
AInitial amplitude (m)
bDamping constant (kg/s)
mMass (kg)
ω'Damped angular frequency (rad/s)
x(t)Displacement at time t (m)
ω₀Natural angular frequency = √(k/m) (rad/s)
e^(-bt/2m)Exponential decay factor for amplitude

When to use this

For damping force F_d = -bv (proportional to velocity). Amplitude decays exponentially as Ae^(-bt/2m). Damped frequency ω' < ω₀ (oscillations slow down). Energy decays as E(t) = ½kA²e^(-bt/m). If b/2m > ω₀: overdamped (no oscillation). If b/2m = ω₀: critical damping. NCERT mentions in Points to Ponder.