Final answer:
In a phase plot of a damped mass-spring system, the curve spirals towards the origin due to energy loss via damping. The correct answer is (a) Yes, due to damping, as the system loses energy over time and eventually comes to rest.
Step-by-step explanation:
To plot v versus y in a mass-spring system simulation like PhET Explorations: Masses and Springs, you're essentially creating a phase plot that shows the relationship between velocity (v) and position (y). Generally, in a system without any damping, the energy would be conserved, and the phase plot would show an orbit around the origin that does not decay, which corresponds to perpetual oscillations. However, when damping is present, as in real-world systems, the phase plot orbit will spiral towards the origin, indicating that the system loses energy over time.
In the provided context, where it is stated that energy is not conserved due to friction being a non-conservative force, the correct answer to whether the curve ever gets close to the origin is (b) No, due to energy conservation. This is inaccurate in the context of a damped system; the correct phenomenon is damping. Thus, the correct choice is (a) Yes, due to damping. This means the mass-spring system is losing energy over time due to non-conservative forces such as air resistance or internal friction within the spring, which results in the system eventually coming to rest.