Can somebody help me understand what “resonant frequency” is?
In: Physics
A resonant frequency is just the frequency that something naturally oscillates at.
Think of people rocking a van side to side; it wants to rock at a certain rate with the suspension squeeking. That rate is it’s resonant frequency.
Another example, you’re holding a slinky spring and it’s bobbing up and down. That rate is its resonant frequency.
These things have easily observable resonant frequencies, but everything has one and most are too fast to see. Next think of a wine glass half full that you flick. It makes a distinct note whenever you flick it. That sound is the structure vibrating and the pitch is the resonant frequency.
Take a look at this bridge disaster for an example of a resonant frequency for a large object:
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