PhysicsLab
← all cardsTopic 8 · Oscillations · Definitions

Resonance

● VERBATIM — examined word-for-word

Occurs when the driving frequency equals the natural frequency of the system: there is maximum rate of energy transfer from driver to system and the amplitude is maximum.

What this actually means

Resonance is the matched condition: the driving frequency equals the natural frequency. Energy then flows from driver to system at the maximum rate, and the amplitude peaks.

All three phrases earn: f_d = f₀, maximum rate of energy transfer, maximum amplitude. Write all three.

Amplitude at resonance is large but finite; damping caps it (see the resonance section).

Prove it — watch it be true

  1. Sweep f_d slowly across f₀
  2. Watch the response amplitude climb, peak at the match, then fall
  3. The peak of that curve is resonance, by definition
Open resonance lab →