Final answer:
Resonance is the driven or forced oscillation of a system at its natural frequency. It occurs in various systems, including strings, air columns, and atoms. In terms of waves, resonance can be observed in standing waves and is influenced by boundary conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Resonance is the driven or forced oscillation of a system at its natural frequency. It occurs in various systems, including strings, air columns, and atoms. When a system is in resonance, energy is transferred rapidly to the oscillating system, causing the amplitude of its oscillations to increase. For example, in a musical instrument like a flute, the air in the tube can be forced into resonance, producing a pleasant sound.
In terms of waves, resonance can be observed in standing waves. One example of resonance in waves is when sound waves cause the surface of a wine glass to vibrate. As the frequency of the sound wave approaches the resonant frequency of the glass, the amplitude and frequency of the waves on the glass increase. When the resonant frequency is reached, the glass shatters.
Resonance can also occur due to boundary conditions imposed on a wave. For instance, a wave on a string under tension with symmetrical boundary conditions can resonate and produce standing waves. Sound waves can resonate in a hollow tube, and the specific frequencies that resonate depend on the boundary conditions.