Resonance

Question 1

What is resonance?

Answer 1

The behaviour when the frequency of a forced oscillation matches the resonant frequency.

This adds energy to the oscillations to the object and increases its amplitude.

Question 2

When does wave resonance occur?

Answer 2

It occurs when forced oscillations are at the resonant frequency of the wave medium, so that the superposition of a travelling waves and its reflection creates constructive interference.

Question 3

Why are resonant frequencies used to refer to musical notes produced by plucking a guitar string?

Answer 3

• When the string is plucked, 2 pulses are created which’ll reflect off of the fixed ends and will superimpose.
• This creates nodes and antinodes.
• The possible frequencies refer to the resonant frequencies of the string due to its length, and is given by nlambda/2L.