Final answer:
Air resistance and internal friction lead to the damping of a vibrating mass and spring system, with energy loss transforming into thermal energy and causing the system to stop oscillating over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Air resistance and internal friction will cause a vibrating mass and spring system to eventually come to a stop. Air resistance is a frictional force that slows down the motion of objects as they move through the air, and friction is the resistance to motion between two objects in contact. In the context of a mass and spring system, air resistance and internal friction within the system itself contribute to the gradual loss of energy, resulting in decreased amplitude and eventually the cessation of oscillation. The force responsible for this energy loss is known as a damping force, which transforms mechanical energy into thermal energy, dissipating it into the surroundings. An example of this damping effect is a mass attached to a spring placed in water, which will oscillate with diminishing amplitudes due to the viscous damping force of the fluid. In the real world, it's important to take into account both air resistance and internal friction to accurately describe the motion of a vibrating mass and spring system.