Critical damping is the

largest amount of damping for which no oscillation occurs in free vibration
smallest amount of damping for which no oscillation occurs in free vibration
largest amount of damping for which the motion is simple harmonic in free vibration
smallest amount of damping for which the motion is simple harmonic in free vibration

Correct answer: smallest amount of damping for which no oscillation occurs in free vibration

Solution

Critical damping is the minimum damping required to prevent oscillations in free vibration. Any smaller damping causes oscillatory motion, while larger damping also prevents oscillation but returns more slowly.

Related GATE Technical questions

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