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In physics, resonance occurs when a system vibrates in sync with an external force. This leads to a large, selective response. Resonance was first observed in musical instruments, like a violin string vibrating when a note of the same pitch is played nearby.1

The concept extends to mechanical systems, where resonance can cause destructive vibrations, as seen with the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. In electrical circuits, resonance allows devices to select specific frequencies, crucial for radios and televisions.1

A resonant frequency is the specific frequency at which a system exhibits this maximum response. In acoustics, resonant frequencies of the vocal tract shape vowels.23

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