Simple Explanation

The tendency of an object or system to vibrate more strongly at certain frequencies, known as its resonant frequencies.

Concise Technical Definition

Resonance is the phenomenon where an object or system vibrates at its natural frequency when excited by an external force. The resonant frequency is determined by the physical properties of the object or system. For example, certain features of a room might resonate at specific frequencies when loud music is played, causing these parts of the room to vibrate more than others. In electronics, resonance occurs when the inductive and capacitive reactances in an LRC circuit are equal, resulting in a peak in the circuit's oscillation.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

It’s like pushing a swing at just the right time—if you push at the swing’s natural frequency, it moves higher. Similarly, when an object is exposed to sound or force at its resonant frequency, it will vibrate more intensely.

Industry Usage Summary

Resonance is a key concept in acoustics, engineering, and electronics. In acoustics, unwanted resonance in a room or system can lead to distorted sound, especially when certain frequencies are exaggerated. In electronics, resonance is used in circuits, such as in tuning radio frequencies or in filters. Understanding and controlling resonance is critical in many fields to avoid unwanted amplification or to make use of it for desired effects, such as enhancing signal strength in electronic systems or tuning musical instruments.

Engineering Shortcut

The tendency of a system or object to vibrate at specific frequencies, determined by its physical characteristics, when excited.

Full Technical Explanation

Resonance occurs when a system or object vibrates with greater amplitude at specific frequencies known as resonant frequencies. These frequencies are determined by the system’s physical properties, such as its size, shape, and material. In acoustics, resonance can cause certain frequencies to be amplified or reduced depending on the system, which is why rooms, instruments, and enclosures are often designed to manage or control resonance. In electronics, resonance happens in LRC circuits when the inductive and capacitive reactances are equal, leading to an increase in the system’s oscillation amplitude. This concept is used in various applications, from radio tuning to designing mechanical and acoustic systems to enhance or reduce specific resonant frequencies.