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Differential EquationsChallengeSecond-Order Linear Equations

Second-Order Linear Equations · Challenge problem

A mass on a spring, without damping, oscillates with period 22 seconds. A dashpot is then attached (same mass and spring), and the motion becomes a decaying oscillation with quasi-period 52\dfrac52 seconds. By what factor does the height of the mass's local maxima shrink from one maximum to the next?