Critical damping
What Critical damping means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Critical damping
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Reference: OCR
Returns the system to its equilibrium position in the shortest time without overshoot, and is the boundary between oscillatory and non-oscillatory behaviour.
The fastest return to equilibrium without overshooting, useful in door closers and moving-coil meters.
Damping that returns an oscillating system to equilibrium in the shortest possible time without overshooting.
Topics that use Critical damping
- Simple harmonic systems (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Damping (OCR A-Level)
- Point and spherical masses (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Damping
- Heavy damping
- Light damping
- Amplitude–driving frequency graph
- Damping and resonance amplitude
- Direction of gravitational force
- Escape velocity
- Experimental measurement and uncertainty
Using Critical damping in the exam
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