The amplitude of an oscillator decreases to 69.0% of its initial value in 15.5s.

a) What is the value of the time constant?

1 answer

If the time constant is T,

A(t) = A(0) e^(-t/T)

0.69 = e^(-15.5/T)
Take natural logs of both sides.

ln(0.69) = -0.3711 = -15.5/T
T = 41.8 s