PHET Interactive Simulations: Resonance

Topics

Resonance
Harmonic Motion
Oscillator

Description

For advanced undergraduate students: Observe resonance in a collection of driven, damped harmonic oscillators. Vary the driving frequency and amplitude, the damping constant, and the mass and spring constant of each resonator. Notice the long-lived transients when damping is small, and observe the phase change for resonators above and below resonance.

Sample Learning Goals

Explain the conditions required for resonance.
Identify/explain the variables that affect the natural frequency of a mass-spring system.
Explain the distinction between the driving frequency and natural frequency of a resonator.
Explain the distinction between transient and steady-state behavior in a driven system.
Identify which variables affect the duration of the transient behavior.
Recognize the phase relationship between the driving frequency and the natural frequency, especially how the phase is different above and below resonance.
Give examples the application of real-world systems to which the understanding of resonance should be applied and explain why.