Question

What is damping? What are its types?

Answer 1

We will start answering this question by knowing what simple harmonic motion is, because the concept of damping can be understood only when you have a clear idea about simple harmonic motion. Then we will define damping and look at its types.

Complete answer:
Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion where the restoring force on a body is directly proportional to the displacement travelled by the body to attain equilibrium.
Whereas damping in physics means prohibiting/inhibiting this motion. In other words it is the process of restraining a motion.

There are 3 types of damping let us list all of them along with their meanings:
Critical damping: It is defined as a threshold between overdamping and under-damping. In other words it is a type of damping which is enough to stop an oscillatory motion. Example: speedometers.
Light damping: It is defined as a type of damping where oscillations are observed , but the amplitude of oscillation goes on reducing with time. Example: simple pendulum
Heavy damping: It is defined as a type of damping where the body attains its equilibrium gradually without any oscillation. Example: damper used in doors.

Note: During the process of damping a body usually loses its kinetic energy with time. Heavy damping is the same as over damping. They are not 2 different terms.Under-damping is also called light damping and in this condition the body gains equilibrium with amplitude gradually reducing and finally becoming zero.