CAIE A-Level Physics 17.3.3 Resonance

Practise identifying resonance on amplitude–frequency graphs and explaining how natural frequency, damping and driving conditions affect the response.

Exam points

explain that resonance occurs when a forced oscillator reaches maximum amplitude
identify resonance when driving frequency matches the natural frequency
interpret how damping, driving frequency or amplitude affects a resonance response

[Maximum number: 1]

The oscillator in (b) is switched on. The frequency of oscillation of the oscillator is varied, keeping its amplitude of oscillation constant.

The amplitude of oscillation of the trolley is seen to vary. The amplitude is a maximum at the frequency calculated in (b).

State the name of the effect giving rise to this maximum.

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17.3.3—Resonance involves a maximum amplitude of oscillations and that this occurs question 1