Science glossary film: Resonance

The large vibrations of an object produced when waves matching its natural resonant frequency pass through it. Resonance occurs in mechanical systems, stringed instruments, in acoustics, and electrical systems. When it occurs in structures such as bridges its effects can be very destructive, so they are engineered as much as possible to dampen vibrations at resonant frequencies.

Resonance occurs in mechanical systems, stringed instruments, in acoustics, and electrical systems. When it occurs in structures such as bridges its effects can be very destructive, so they are engineered as much as possible to dampen vibrations at resonant frequencies.