This question was asked inGPSC Deputy Executive Engineer (Electrical) Class-2 Master Paper 2026Question 118 of 195 published · Gujarat Public Service CommissionOpen paper
Q118ModerateTime Response

Consider the following statements regarding Second Order Systems:
1. Damping ratio determines the nature of system response such as overdamped, underdamped, or critically damped.
2. Underdamped systems show oscillatory response with decaying amplitude.
3. Critically damped system has fastest response without oscillations.
4. Overdamped system oscillates indefinitely with constant amplitude.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Answer & step-by-step solution
Correct answer: A. 1, 2 and 3 only
Quick explanation

Second-order dynamics are governed by two independent energy-storage states and are described by natural frequency and damping ratio. An underdamped response oscillates with exponentially decaying amplitude, critical damping gives the fastest non-oscillatory response, and overdamping gives a slower non-oscillatory response. Key relation: Characteristic form: s²+2ζω_n s+ω_n²=0.

Exam focus: ζ1 overdamped. Common trap: Overdamped responses do not sustain oscillations.

Characteristic form: s²+2ζω_n s+ω_n²=0.

Statement-wise Verification

  • Statement 1 - Correct.
    Damping ratio determines the nature of system response such as overdamped, underdamped, or critically damped.
    An underdamped response oscillates with exponentially decaying amplitude, critical damping gives the fastest non-oscillatory response, and overdamping gives a slower non-oscillatory response.
  • Statement 2 - Correct.
    Underdamped systems show oscillatory response with decaying amplitude.
    An underdamped response oscillates with exponentially decaying amplitude, critical damping gives the fastest non-oscillatory response, and overdamping gives a slower non-oscillatory response.
  • Statement 3 - Correct.
    Critically damped system has fastest response without oscillations.
    An underdamped response oscillates with exponentially decaying amplitude, critical damping gives the fastest non-oscillatory response, and overdamping gives a slower non-oscillatory response.
  • Statement 4 - Incorrect.
    Overdamped system oscillates indefinitely with constant amplitude.
    The correct principle is: An underdamped response oscillates with exponentially decaying amplitude, critical damping gives the fastest non-oscillatory response, and overdamping gives a slower non-oscillatory response.

Core Concept

Second-order dynamics are governed by two independent energy-storage states and are described by natural frequency and damping ratio. An underdamped response oscillates with exponentially decaying amplitude, critical damping gives the fastest non-oscillatory response, and overdamping gives a slower non-oscillatory response.

Formula / Key Relationship

Characteristic form: s²+2ζω_n s+ω_n²=0.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option B is incorrect because it includes incorrect statement(s) 4 and omits correct statement(s) 2, 3. Option C is incorrect because it omits correct statement(s) 1. Option D is incorrect because it includes incorrect statement(s) 4.

Exam Shortcut / Approach

ζ<1 underdamped, ζ=1 critical, ζ>1 overdamped.

Common Mistake

Overdamped responses do not sustain oscillations.

Quick Revision

Damping Ratio and Response Type is linked with Second-Order Systems, Time Response and Control Systems. ζ<1 underdamped, ζ=1 critical, ζ>1 overdamped.

Exam tipζ1 overdamped.
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