alleryStart learning →What is the natural frequency of a system?
AThe frequency of any driving force
BThe frequency at which damping stops
CThe frequency with no driving or damping
DThe frequency of the loudest possible note
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. The frequency with no driving or damping
1. The natural frequency belongs to the system itself, not to whatever is pushing it.
2. It is the frequency at which the system would oscillate with no driving and no damping force.
3. A driving force can be applied at any frequency, matching it or not.
4. Objects can be forced to oscillate at other frequencies, but oscillate best at this one.
_Source: OpenStax Physics (high school, CC BY 4.0), Ch 14 "Sound", section Resonance and Beats_
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