Re: [Phys-l] Help! An explanation for the laity

[Bernard Cleyet <bernardcleyet@redshift.com>]

Thanks!   That might do it. 

I think he already understands:  If the the dissipation is linear, then 
the slower the pendulum or other simple harmonic device moves the less 
the dissipation. The loss is directly proportional to the initial speed 
which is proportional to the amplitude if simple harmonic motion.  The 
pendulum is, only in the small angle approximation region.


So I think I can qualitatively begin to answer his question.  W/ your 
help.   This results in exponential decay.  Anything that decreases 
proportional to its initial value is described by exp[- anything * t].  
e.g. nuclear decay and lin. damped SHM.  (charges in a resistive 
medium?)  Why?  Read below:

bc now will likely need to  explain slope and should have titled it:  
Help! An explanation for bc and the laity.



Carl Mungan wrote:

> > What he means is why is a log used
> >    
>
> Because it's the inverse of an exponential.
> Why is an exponential used?
> Because it's the special function whose value is equal to its slope everywhere.
> Why is that useful?
> Because the rate of change of quantity y is proportional to the amount y left.
>