Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Damped Oscillator
A damped oscillator is a system in which the amplitude of oscillation decreases over time due to energy loss, often from friction or resistance. In the context of the given function, the term 'e^{-t/2}' represents the damping effect, indicating that the displacement will gradually diminish as time progresses.
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Exponential Function
An exponential function is a mathematical function of the form f(t) = a * e^{kt}, where 'e' is the base of natural logarithms, 'a' is a constant, and 'k' determines the rate of growth or decay. In the displacement function, the exponential term '10e^{-t/2}' signifies how the displacement decreases exponentially over time due to damping.
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Cosine Function
The cosine function is a periodic function that describes oscillatory motion, characterized by its amplitude, frequency, and phase shift. In the displacement equation, 'cos(πt/8)' indicates the oscillation of the mass, with a specific frequency that affects how quickly the mass moves back and forth, contributing to the overall behavior of the damped oscillator.
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