Final answer:
An RLC circuit with the given values of R, L, and C is overdamped.
Step-by-step explanation:
A series RLC circuit is classified as overdamped, critically damped, or underdamped depending on the values of R, L, and C. In an overdamped circuit, the system returns to equilibrium without oscillation. In a critically damped circuit, the system returns to equilibrium as quickly as possible without oscillation. Lastly, in an underdamped circuit, the system oscillates before returning to equilibrium.
To determine the damping of the RLC circuit, we can compare the values of R, L, and C. If the discriminant D = R^2 - 4LC is positive, the circuit is overdamped. If D = 0, the circuit is critically damped. If D is negative, the circuit is underdamped. Let's calculate the discriminant using the given values.
D = (2.4)^2 - 4(0.4)(0.1) = 5.76 - 0.16 = 5.6
Since D is positive, the discriminant is positive, indicating that the circuit is overdamped.