Final answer:
Resonance in harmonic motion happens when the frequency of the external force matches the natural frequency of the system, leading to maximum energy transfer and increased amplitude of oscillation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Resonance in Harmonic Motion
Resonance occurs in harmonic motion when the arriving frequency is the same as the natural frequency of the system. At this point, energy transfer to the oscillating system is maximized, causing the amplitude of oscillation to grow significantly. This condition is true irrespective of the energy in the system or the motion's amplitude. Resonance is less likely to be observed in systems that are overdamped or critically damped, as these conditions prevent the system from reaching the large amplitudes characteristic of resonance. Instead, resonance is prominent in objects with low damping, such as strings, air columns, and atoms, where the system can oscillate with the least resistance at its resonant frequency.
Forced oscillations near the resonant frequency result in a greater response for systems with less damping, while the response broadens with increasing amounts of damping. An everyday example of resonance is the distorted sound in rock music, where instruments are played to create intentional resonance effects.