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 a resistive force, such as friction or air resistance. In the given equation, the term 'e⁻ᵗ' represents the damping effect, causing the oscillation to gradually lose energy and amplitude as time progresses.
Recommended video:
Cases Where Limits Do Not Exist
Cosine Function in Oscillations
The cosine function is fundamental in describing periodic motion, such as oscillations. In the equation y(t) = 2.5e⁻ᵗ cos 2t, the 'cos 2t' component indicates that the object oscillates with a frequency determined by the coefficient of 't', which affects how quickly the object moves up and down.
Recommended video:
Graph of Sine and Cosine Function
Finding Extrema in Functions
To find the high points (maxima) of the oscillation, one must analyze the function y(t) for critical points. This involves taking the derivative of y(t), setting it to zero, and solving for t to determine when the displacement reaches its maximum value, which corresponds to the high points of the oscillation.
Recommended video:
Finding Extrema Graphically