Final answer:
In an overdamped system, the range of values for m is m > 0.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the differential equation md2xdt2 + 3dxdt + 7x = 0 is overdamped, the range of values for m is:
To determine the solution to this equation, consider the plot of position versus time shown in Figure 15.26. The curve resembles a cosine curve oscillating in the envelope of an exponential function e^(-αt) where α = √(3m). The solution is: x(t) = Ae^(-αt) + Be^(αt), where A and B are constants.
Therefore, for an overdamped system, α > 0. Since α = √(3m), we have √(3m) > 0. Solving for m, we find that the range of values for m is: m > 0.