Question

Critical damping is a function of

• A. Mass and stiffness
• B. Mass and damping co-efficient
• C. Stiffness and natural frequency
• D. Natural frequency and damping co-efficient

Hint:

Use the formula \( c_{critical} = 2\sqrt{km} \) to remember that critical damping depends on mass and stiffness only.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Critical damping is the minimum amount of damping that allows a system to return to equilibrium without oscillating.
It depends on the physical properties of the system — specifically, the mass (\(m\)) and stiffness (\(k\)).
The critical damping coefficient is given by the formula: \[ c_{critical} = 2 \sqrt{km} \]
Where:
- \( c_{critical} \) is the critical damping coefficient,
- \( k \) is the stiffness of the system,
- \( m \) is the mass.
Hence, critical damping is determined solely by mass and stiffness — not by damping coefficient or natural frequency.