Synchronization vs. Resonance: What's the Difference?

[Apteronotus]

How is resonance different from synchronization?

I know a bit about synch but not much about resonance. The examples I've found on the web all lie along the following line:

--If the frequency of two systems are the same
--and the two systems are coupled
--then oscillating one system will cause the second to oscillate as well

 

[schip666!]

I think of resonance as a property of a single object, the fundamental mode in which it will vibrate after absorbing energy. Synchronization is a property of multiple coupled objects where energy will be "shared" between the objects. In some cases, where their resonant modes are similar they will vibrate in sync, or anti-sync as with Huygens' clocks. The synchronized frequency may not be exactly at the resonant frequency of any of the individual objects though.

 

[sophiecentaur]

I think Resonance is a description of a purely passive situation - when a passive system resonates with an impressed, periodic disturbance. 'Ringing' of a bell when you whistle the appropriate note.

Synchronisation involves a feedback loop, which involves an active device (op amp or suchlike) or could, perhaps, be used to described the amount of phase / frequency agreement between two independent oscillations. You can get synchronism between different but harmonically related oscillations - such as in a phase lock loop used in frequency synthesiser.