What actually is natural frequency?

The effect is greatest when the damping is low.In summary, the natural frequency of an object is the frequency at which it will oscillate if not forced. When the natural frequency and applied frequency are matched, it produces vibration with maximum amplitude due to the increased energy storage in the system when the damping is low.
  • #1
kapil phyreak
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when we talk about the phenomenon of resonance, we use the term 'natural frequency'. What actually is natural frequency of an object?...what is meant by matching of natural and applied frequency and why does it produce vibration with maximum amplitude?
 
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  • #2
kapil phyreak said:
when we talk about the phenomenon of resonance, we use the term 'natural frequency'. What actually is natural frequency of an object?...what is meant by matching of natural and applied frequency and why does it produce vibration with maximum amplitude?

The natural frequency is the frequency at which some system will oscillate if it is not forced. If you just pull a mass spring system a small distance and then release it. It will oscillate at its natural frequency.

If you force a damped oscillator with some sinusoidally varying force it will oscillate at the frequency of the force not the natural frequency.This makes sense since if I shake the spring around it will not move as if it was free.
The Amplitude of oscillation is greatest when the driving force frequency is near the natural frequency, since at that point the the energy that can be stored in system is the greatest.
 

1. What is natural frequency?

Natural frequency refers to the frequency at which an object vibrates when it is disturbed from its equilibrium position. It is a characteristic property of a system and is determined by its mass and stiffness.

2. How is natural frequency different from resonant frequency?

Resonant frequency is the frequency at which a system vibrates with the greatest amplitude when subjected to a periodic force. Natural frequency is the frequency at which a system would vibrate without any external force. Resonant frequency is a type of natural frequency.

3. What factors affect natural frequency?

The natural frequency of a system is affected by its mass, stiffness, and damping. An increase in mass or stiffness will result in a higher natural frequency, while an increase in damping will decrease the natural frequency.

4. Can natural frequency be changed?

Yes, the natural frequency of a system can be changed by altering its mass, stiffness, or damping. For example, changing the length of a guitar string will change its natural frequency.

5. Why is natural frequency important?

Natural frequency is important because it is used to determine the stability and response of a system. It is also used in fields such as engineering, physics, and music to understand and manipulate vibrating systems.

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