Complete the statement about resonance.
Resonance occurs when an oscillator is driven by a periodic force at ______, so that energy accumulates and the amplitude grows dramatically.
Word bank: any frequency at all · its own natural frequency · twice its natural frequency · zero frequency
Hints
- The driving has to keep pushing in step with the motion for energy to build up.
- Matching, not doubling, is what makes the pushes land at the right moment.
Show the answer
Resonance occurs when an oscillator is driven by a periodic force at its own natural frequency, so that energy accumulates and the amplitude grows dramatically.
Driving at the natural frequency means every push arrives in phase with the motion, so energy is added cycle after cycle. Off that frequency the pushes eventually fight the motion and the amplitude stays bounded, which is why soldiers break step on bridges.
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