Final Answer:
Resonance occurs when a forced vibration matches the object's natural frequency, leading to amplified oscillations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Resonance, in essence, manifests when an external force or vibration synchronizes with an object's natural frequency. This alignment induces a heightened response in the object, causing it to vibrate with increased amplitude. The process can be likened to pushing a swing at just the right moment—by applying force at the resonant frequency, the swing's motion amplifies, reaching greater heights.
In practical terms, resonance is pivotal in diverse fields. In engineering, it's a consideration in avoiding structural failures due to vibrational stresses. In music, resonance is harnessed to produce rich, sustained tones in instruments. For instance, when a guitarist plucks a string, the vibrations produced match the natural frequency of the string, leading to resonance and the creation of distinct musical notes.
Resonance also plays a role in everyday scenarios, like the infamous breaking of a wine glass by a singer hitting a high note. In this case, the sound waves produced by the vocalist match the resonant frequency of the glass, causing it to vibrate intensely and eventually shatter.