Practice question

**Effect of damping** is gradual amplitude reduction while period remains nearly constant for light damping. Mechanical energy decreases as work done against damping force, E(t) = ½ k A(t)² decaying exponentially, and motion ceases without external energy input, distinguishing from ideal undamped SHM. Potential energy: U = (1/2) k x² . k = 400 N/m, x = 0.03 m . U = 0.5 × 400 × (0.03)² = 0.5 × 400 × 0.0009 = 0.18 J . Applying x = A cos(ωt + φ), v = -ωA sin(ωt + φ), a = -ω²x and E = ½kA² = ½mω²A², result 0.18 J follows, reflecting SHM