Resonance

Topics

• Resonance
• Harmonic Motion
• Oscillator

Description

For advanced undergraduate students: Observe resonance in a collection of driven, damped harmonic oscillators. Vary the driving frequency and amplitude, the damping constant, and the mass and spring constant of each resonator. Notice the long-lived transients when damping is small, and observe the phase change for resonators above and below resonance.

Sample Learning Goals

• Explain the conditions required for resonance.
• Identify/explain the variables that affect the natural frequency of a mass-spring system.
• Explain the distinction between the driving frequency and natural frequency of a resonator.
• Explain the distinction between transient and steady-state behavior in a driven system.
• Identify which variables affect the duration of the transient behavior.
• Recognize the phase relationship between the driving frequency and the natural frequency, especially how the phase is different above and below resonance.
• Give examples the application of real-world systems to which the understanding of resonance should be applied and explain why.