# A mass-spring system is set into oscillation. The system is then damped by attaching a card to the mass so that it moves through air. Explain the effect of damping on the amplitude and period of the oscillations.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.6.1 Periodic Motion · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Damping causes the amplitude to decrease over time
2. Energy is removed from the system (by the damping force / air resistance)
3. The energy lost per cycle is transferred to the thermal energy store of the surroundings / converted to heat
4. The period (or frequency) of oscillation remains approximately the same / is unchanged
5. With sufficient damping the oscillations will stop (the system comes to rest at equilibrium)

## Key terms

- [damping](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/damping)
- [amplitude](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/amplitude)
- [period](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/period)
- [oscillation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/oscillation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-mass-spring-system-is-set-into-85ab67fd) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.