• NEET
      • Class 11th
      • Class 12th
      • Class 12th Plus
    • JEE
      • Class 11th
      • Class 12th
      • Class 12th Plus
    • Class 6-10
      • Class 6th
      • Class 7th
      • Class 8th
      • Class 9th
      • Class 10th
    • View All Options
      • Online Courses
      • Offline Courses
      • Distance Learning
      • Hindi Medium Courses
      • International Olympiad
    • NEET
      • Class 11th
      • Class 12th
      • Class 12th Plus
    • JEE (Main+Advanced)
      • Class 11th
      • Class 12th
      • Class 12th Plus
    • JEE Main
      • Class 11th
      • Class 12th
      • Class 12th Plus
  • NEW
    • JEE MAIN 2025
    • NEET
      • 2024
      • 2023
      • 2022
    • Class 6-10
    • JEE Main
      • Previous Year Papers
      • Sample Papers
      • Result
      • Analysis
      • Syllabus
      • Exam Date
    • JEE Advanced
      • Previous Year Papers
      • Sample Papers
      • Mock Test
      • Result
      • Analysis
      • Syllabus
      • Exam Date
    • NEET
      • Previous Year Papers
      • Sample Papers
      • Mock Test
      • Result
      • Analysis
      • Syllabus
      • Exam Date
    • NCERT Solutions
      • Class 6
      • Class 7
      • Class 8
      • Class 9
      • Class 10
      • Class 11
      • Class 12
    • CBSE
      • Notes
      • Sample Papers
      • Question Papers
    • Olympiad
      • NSO
      • IMO
      • NMTC
    • ALLEN e-Store
    • AOSAT
    • ALLEN for Schools
    • About ALLEN
    • Blogs
    • News
    • Careers
    • Request a call back
    • Book home demo
NCERT SolutionsCBSE NotesCBSE Exam
Home
Science
Resonance

Resonance

A phenomenon known as resonance happens when one object's oscillations become more intense due to the corresponding vibrations of another object. Picture a playground swing set. The swings glide effortlessly and in perfect tune when you push them at the correct moment and rhythm. This basic idea is evident in several aspects of everyday life. 

1.0Resonance Definition

A vibrating item causing another object to vibrate with a greater amplitude is known as resonance. When the first object's vibration frequency and the second object's resonant or natural frequency coincide, resonance occurs. This frequency is referred to as the resonance frequency of the system.

2.0Types of Resonance

Physics Resonance 

In physics, resonance is the phenomenon where an externally vibrating object amplifies an object's frequency when its frequencies coincide. Any object's vibrations can be significantly impacted by resonance.

Magnetic Resonance 

When specific magnetic fields are generated, electrons or atomic nuclei will either absorb or emit electromagnetic radiation. This phenomenon is known as magnetic resonance. In the lab, the atomic and nuclear features of matter are examined using the concepts of magnetic resonance.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a method of analytical chemistry used in research and quality control to identify a sample's molecular structure, composition, and purity.

Ferromagnetic Resonance (FMR) 

A material's magnetic behaviour, such as its high attraction to a permanent magnet, is described by its ferromagnetism.

Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) 

In optical microscopy, FRET is a technique used to determine the proximity of two molecules. They can interact if they are within a few nanometres, which is an extremely small distance.

Helmholtz Resonance 

The effect of air echoing in a cavity is called Helmholtz resonance or wind throb. The air inside a cavity vibrates at a particular natural frequency as air is pumped in and out, producing this kind of resonance. This effect was named after Hermann von Helmholtz, a German physicist.

Resonance in Sound 

Resonance in sound occurs when a light or sound wave hits an object that is already vibrating at a specific frequency, provided that frequency coincides with the resonant frequency of the thing being struck.

3.0Applications of Resonance

Medical Imaging

Nuclear magnetic resonance is the basis for methods such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). For instance, a neuroimaging method called diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) makes it possible to map the diffusion of water molecules in brain tissue without causing any harm. This can help identify strokes.

Electronics 

Many appliances use resonant circuits, either in series or parallel.  These can be used for many things, such as choosing the preferred stations on TV and radio receivers. A voltage amplifier uses a series resonant circuit. Another use for a resonant circuit is as a filter.

Acoustics 

In many applications, Helmholtz resonance is useful in controlling the effects of vibration and noise. They have been incorporated in the manufacturing of musical instruments like violins and cellos, as well as in the creation of silencers and mufflers for engines and ventilation systems. Resonance tubes are commonly used in acoustic experiments to help visualise standing sound waves and demonstrate resonance principles in controlled environments. 

Structural Engineering

Resonance from wind, earthquake-induced ground motion, and even synchronised footsteps can and have caused structure damage. By understanding resonance, buildings can be protected against these occurrences. 

Chemical Analysis

To determine a molecule's stability, acidity, basicity, aromaticity, and many other characteristics, resonance is a key concept. The type of a reaction or what is to come from a specific reaction can be predicted using resonance apparatus.

4.0Resonance Circuits

These are special electrical setups that use components called inductors and capacitors to create specific frequencies of oscillation. These can be thought of as "frequency selectors." They help in tasks like tuning radios or filtering unwanted signals.

Types of Resonance Circuits

  1. Series Resonance Circuit: In a series resonance circuit, the inductor and capacitor are connected one after the other in a series. Resonance happens when their opposing effects on the current, called reactances, cancel each other out. This circuit allows the maximum current to flow, making it great for amplifying signals at a specific frequency.

Series Resonance Circuit

  1. Parallel Resonance Circuit: In a parallel resonance circuit, the inductor and capacitor are connected parallelly. At the resonant frequency, the circuit creates a path with very high resistance for the current, blocking signals at that frequency while allowing others to pass.

 Parallel Resonance Circuit

These circuits are used in electronics like communication systems and audio devices, and they require precise control of frequencies.

5.0Examples of Resonance

Swinging Pendulum: Every pendulum, whether it's a swing in a playground or a hanging paint can, has a tendency to swing at a certain frequency. This is the natural frequency of the pendulum. Simply move a pendulum to one side and let it fall back to determine its natural frequency. At its natural frequency, the pendulum will swing back and forth.

Swinging Pendulum

Tuning Fork: Because of its shape and composition, a tuning fork vibrates at a particular frequency when struck. Sound waves are produced when this vibration forces the molecules of the surrounding air to vibrate as well. The tuning fork's natural frequency, which is dictated by its length, thickness, and material, determines the frequency of the sound that is produced.

Tuning Fork

MRI Scanning: The resonance effect in MRI scanning is used to create detailed images of almost every internal structure in the human body, including the organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels. 

MRI Scanning


Table of Contents


  • 1.0Resonance Definition
  • 2.0Types of Resonance
  • 3.0Applications of Resonance
  • 4.0Resonance Circuits
  • 4.1Types of Resonance Circuits
  • 5.0Examples of Resonance

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, resonance can cause structural damage to buildings and bridges. So, it is important to take the resonance effect into account during the engineering stage.

The concept of resonance was studied and described by Galileo Galilei in the 17th century and later expanded by scientists like Hermann von Helmholtz.

Resonance can be affected by many factors, including the natural frequencies of the objects involved, the type of medium they are in (like air or water), and the strength of the external vibrations.

Resonance can be used in musical instruments to amplify their sound. For example, the hollow body of a guitar can turn up the volume of its vibrating strings.

Join ALLEN!

(Session 2025 - 26)


Choose class
Choose your goal
Preferred Mode
Choose State
  • About
    • About us
    • Blog
    • News
    • MyExam EduBlogs
    • Privacy policy
    • Public notice
    • Careers
    • Dhoni Inspires NEET Aspirants
    • Dhoni Inspires JEE Aspirants
  • Help & Support
    • Refund policy
    • Transfer policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact us
  • Popular goals
    • NEET Coaching
    • JEE Coaching
    • 6th to 10th
  • Courses
    • Online Courses
    • Distance Learning
    • Online Test Series
    • International Olympiads Online Course
    • NEET Test Series
    • JEE Test Series
    • JEE Main Test Series
  • Centers
    • Kota
    • Bangalore
    • Indore
    • Delhi
    • More centres
  • Exam information
    • JEE Main
    • JEE Advanced
    • NEET UG
    • CBSE
    • NCERT Solutions
    • NEET Mock Test
    • Olympiad
    • NEET 2025 Answer Key

ALLEN Career Institute Pvt. Ltd. © All Rights Reserved.

ISO