Quality Factor (Q Factor)

Q = \frac{\omega_0}{2b/m} = \frac{\omega_0}{\Delta\omega}

Measure of how underdamped an oscillator is; higher Q means less energy loss per cycle.

Variables

Quality factor

Dimensionless

unitless

ω₀

Natural angular frequency

Undamped frequency

rad/s

Damping coefficient

Damping constant

kg/s

Mass

Oscillating mass

Δω

Resonance bandwidth

Width at half-power

rad/s

Q = 2π × (energy stored)/(energy lost per cycle) = ω₀m/b = ω₀/Δω.

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