Resonance

Resonance is a phenomenon that occurs in many different scientific fields, but it always involves systems that oscillate at certain frequencies. In simple terms, resonance occurs when a system is able to store and easily transfer energy between two or more different storage modes (such as kinetic energy and potential energy in the case of a pendulum). However, there are some slight differences in how resonance is described in various fields of study.

Physics

In physics, resonance is the phenomenon that occurs when a vibrating system or external force drives another system to oscillate with greater amplitude at specific frequencies. Frequencies at which the response amplitude is a relative maximum are known as the system's resonant frequencies or resonance frequencies. At these frequencies, even small periodic driving forces can produce large amplitude oscillations, because the system stores vibrational energy.

Chemistry

In chemistry, resonance is a way of describing delocalized electrons within certain molecules or polyatomic ions where the bonding cannot be expressed by one single Lewis structure. Instead, a molecule or ion is described as a composite of several contributing structures (or resonance structures) representing the extremes of electron locations.

Electrical Engineering

In electrical engineering, resonance occurs in an electric circuit at a particular resonant frequency when the impedance of the circuit is at its minimum (series resonance) or its maximum (parallel resonance).

Medicine

In medicine, resonance refers to the sound the human body produces when air is blown through certain body structures, such as the lungs. This is used in the diagnosis of various health conditions.

Music

In music, resonance amplifies the sound in musical instruments in such a way that a small input of energy can maintain a large vibration. This is the principle behind many wind and string instruments.

See Also

• Oscillation
• Frequency
• Amplitude
• Impedance
• Vibration

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