3.6.1.4
Critical damping returns to equilibrium in the shortest time without oscillating
Forced Vibrations & Resonance — AQA A-Level Physics
Key Definition
Critical damping — The degree of damping that causes the oscillator to return to its equilibrium position in the shortest possible time without oscillating.
- No oscillations occur. The displacementThe distance moved in a particular direction from a starting point. A vector quantity. Measured in metres (m). drops to zero as fast as physically possible.
- The graph shows a rapid exponential-type decrease from maximum displacementThe distance moved in a particular direction from a starting point. A vector quantity. Measured in metres (m). to $x = 0$, then stays at zero.
- Example: car suspension systems are critically damped so the car returns to level quickly after a bump.