Natural FrequencyWhat does the natural frequency of an object depend on?

In summary, the natural frequency of an object depends on its intrinsic properties, shape, defects, temperature, humidity, etc. It is not feasible to calculate the natural frequency of a real life object, and it is easier to find it experimentally. In terms of sound production, a guitar plucked in space would vibrate but a sound wave would not be produced due to the lack of a medium for it to propagate through.
  • #1
BBRadiation
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What does the natural frequency of an object depend on?

Whenever I try to look this up, I usually read that the natural frequency depends on "intrinsic" properties or a "variety" of factors. Is the natural frequency independent for each object/is there any universal factor the natural frequency depends on?
 
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  • #2
No, it's always going to be a complicated function of what the object's made of, its shape, whether it has defects, the temperature, the humidity, etc. Generally it's not feasible to calculate the natural frequency of a real life object it's pretty much always much much easier to just find it experimentally.
 
  • #3
Okay thanks for that.

Somewhat unrelated, if you were to, let's say, take a guitar into space. The guitar strings each have their own natural frequency. However if you were to pluck one of the strings, would a frequency (and corresponding wave) be produced? Doesn't sound, which is produced from such an event, require a medium?

--- Nevermind

The object would just vibrate, no wave produced.
 
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  • #4
BBRadiation said:
Okay thanks for that.

Somewhat unrelated, if you were to, let's say, take a guitar into space. The guitar strings each have their own natural frequency. However if you were to pluck one of the strings, would a frequency (and corresponding wave) be produced? Doesn't sound, which is produced from such an event, require a medium?

--- Nevermind

The object would just vibrate, no wave produced.

Yes. The medium is: first the string, then the guitar body. The wave would not, however, propogate beyond the physical confines of the guitar itself without the presence of a medium such as air (or any other mass in contact with the guitar).
 

1. What is natural frequency?

Natural frequency is the frequency at which an object or system will vibrate when disturbed.

2. How is natural frequency different from resonant frequency?

Natural frequency is the inherent frequency of an object or system, while resonant frequency is the frequency at which an object or system's vibrations are amplified due to external forces.

3. What factors affect the natural frequency of an object?

The natural frequency of an object depends on its mass, stiffness, and geometry. Objects with higher mass and/or stiffness have a lower natural frequency, while objects with lower mass and/or stiffness have a higher natural frequency.

4. Can the natural frequency of an object be changed?

Yes, the natural frequency of an object can be changed by altering its mass, stiffness, or geometry. For example, adding weight to an object will decrease its natural frequency, while decreasing its stiffness will increase its natural frequency.

5. Why is it important to know the natural frequency of an object?

Knowing the natural frequency of an object is important in understanding how it will react to external forces. It is also crucial in designing and engineering structures to ensure they do not vibrate excessively or fail due to resonance.

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