What is the Difference Between Resonance and Natural Frequency?

The main difference between resonance and natural frequency lies in their definitions and occurrences:

• Resonance: Resonance is a phenomenon that occurs when a system is driven with a frequency equal to its natural frequency. In this case, the system oscillates with a large amplitude, and the energy absorbed from the external force is at its maximum. Resonance can be observed in various systems, such as mechanical, electrical, and even biological systems.
• Natural Frequency: The natural frequency is the frequency at which a system would oscillate if there were no driving and no damping force. It is an inherent property of a system and can be calculated for various systems, such as buildings, electronic and electrical circuits, optical systems, sound systems, and biological systems.

In summary:

• Natural frequency is the inherent frequency of an object's vibration.
• Resonance is the event that occurs when a system is provided with an external periodic force at its natural frequency, causing the system to oscillate with a large amplitude.

When the damping in a system is very small, the different types of resonance all occur at frequencies very close to the system's natural frequency. In this case, it is not entirely wrong to say that the resonance frequency is the natural frequency.

Comparative Table: Resonance vs Natural Frequency

The main difference between resonance and natural frequency lies in their definitions and occurrences. Here is a table comparing the two concepts:

In summary, resonance is a phenomenon that amplifies a vibration when the external force's frequency matches the object's natural frequency. On the other hand, natural frequency is the inherent frequency at which an object vibrates after being struck.