What's the difference between entrainment and resonance?

[quantum1234]

This has been confusing me for a couple of days, maybe it's because I just started self teaching physics (which isn't going so well lol)

So entrainment is when one vibrating object begins resonating to the same rate as the more powerful, higher vibrating object. Resonance is when one vibrating object causes another vibrating object with the same resonant frequency, to vibrate.
Isn't is basically the same thing? or are the terms used interchangeably?

Oh and as an added question (i'm sorry) are the terms 'oscillating' and 'vibrating' used interchangeably?

 

[tiny-tim]

welcome to pf!

hi quantum1234! welcome to pf!

So entrainment is when one vibrating object begins resonating to the same rate as the more powerful, higher vibrating object. Resonance is when one vibrating object causes another vibrating object with the same resonant frequency, to vibrate.
Isn't is basically the same thing? or are the terms used interchangeably?

i think entrainment is mutual resonance … each of two objects affects the other … while resonance is usually one-way

Oh and as an added question (i'm sorry) are the terms 'oscillating' and 'vibrating' used interchangeably?

more or less

but i think in practice "oscillation" would only be used to describe a pretty regular vibration (like simple harmonic motion)

 

[quantum1234]

Thank you, it makes better sense now, but I am still a little bit confused about resonance.
So resonance causes an object to transfer energy to another object if they both share the same natural frequency AND if the two objects are vibrating at different frequencies.

So what I don't understand is:
"Natural frequency is the frequency at which a system naturally vibrates once it has been set into motion."
- I read a while back that everything in the universe is in a constant state of vibration so how is something set into motion if it's supposed to be already vibrating? And so how can two objects be vibrating at different frequencies if they share the same natural frequency already?

I hope you understand my question, I have a feeling that I worded it oddly, if so please tell me and I'll rewrite it :)
Again, thank you!

 

[tiny-tim]

- I read a while back that everything in the universe is in a constant state of vibration so how is something set into motion if it's supposed to be already vibrating?

(where did you read that? )

most of the vibrations are pretty random

 

[pmacias]

Greetings,

Thank you for your question. Entrainment and resonance are related concepts, but they are not exactly the same. Let me explain further.

Entrainment refers to the synchronization of two or more oscillating systems, where one system adjusts its frequency to match the other system. This can occur between objects of different sizes or materials, as long as they have some degree of flexibility or movement. For example, if you have two pendulum clocks hanging next to each other, over time they will start swinging in unison due to entrainment.

On the other hand, resonance refers to the amplification of vibration in a system at its natural frequency. This can occur when an external force is applied to a system, causing it to vibrate at its natural frequency. This can be observed in musical instruments, where the strings or air column will vibrate at specific frequencies when played.

So while both entrainment and resonance involve the synchronization of vibrations, they occur in different ways and have different underlying mechanisms.

As for your second question, oscillating and vibrating are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. Oscillation refers to the back and forth movement of an object, while vibration refers to a rapid back and forth movement. In physics, the term oscillation is used more broadly to describe any type of repetitive motion, while vibration specifically refers to the motion of an object around a stable equilibrium point.

I hope this helps clarify the difference between entrainment and resonance for you. Keep up the self-teaching and don't be discouraged by any challenges you may face. Physics can be a complex subject, but with perseverance and curiosity, you can continue to learn and understand it better. Best of luck!