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Resonance examples
Beginner
Swings, radio tuning, bridges and glasses shattering.
Radio tuning circuits, MRI nuclear resonance, swing pushing, glass-breaking sound, and the Tacoma Narrows bridge (actually aeroelastic flutter).
Opera singer shattering a wine glass.
Not all failures are simple resonance.
In more detail
Resonance appears in many systems, from bridges and buildings to atoms and musical instruments. Engineers design to avoid harmful resonances and exploit useful ones.
Real-world uses
- Microwave ovens use resonant cavities to heat food efficiently.
- MRI scanners use resonance of nuclear spins to create images.
- Opera singers can shatter a wine glass by singing at its resonant frequency, though this is hard to do in practice.
Open the interactive lesson, with simulation and quiz →
Frequently asked questions
Can resonance break glass?
Yes, a singer can shatter a glass at its resonant frequency with enough sound.
Why do soldiers break step on bridges?
Marching in step could drive the bridge at its natural frequency and cause large vibrations.
Can a bridge collapse from resonance?
Yes, if wind or marching forces match its natural frequency. The Tacoma Narrows bridge is a famous example.
Related topics in Oscillations & SHM
Quality factor · Forced oscillations · Resonance · Amplitude vs frequency curve · LC oscillations · Analogy between mechanical and electrical oscillators