Question

to answer this question, first click here to view the associated video. the piston of a shock absorber moves through oil in order to damp the motion of the cars chassis when it hits a bump. holes in the piston head allow the oil to flow through it. suppose the oil gets \stiffer\ when it gets cold outside. which one of the following do you expect in cold weather? the degree of damping will decrease (the car will oscillate more when it hits bumps) the degree of damping will be greater (the car will oscillate less when it hits bumps) the degree of damping will be the same (your ride will be the same as in warm weather) suppose a simple pendulum is submerged in water. if the mass is raised to a height h above its lowest position and released, how many oscillations does it undergo if it is critically damped? it depends on the length of the pendulum. it will not oscillate at all. it depends on the specific value of h.

Explanation:

• For the first question: When the oil gets "stiffer" (higher viscosity), it offers more resistance to the piston's motion. Greater resistance means a greater degree of damping. Damping reduces oscillation. So, the car will oscillate less when it hits bumps.
• For the second question: By the definition of critical damping, a critically - damped system returns to equilibrium as quickly as possible without oscillating.

Answer:

• First question: The degree of damping will be greater (the car will oscillate less when it hits bumps)
• Second question: It will not oscillate at all.