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Physics

Forced Oscillation

Quick fact

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse in 1940 was a dramatic example of forced oscillation: wind acted as a periodic driving force that matched the bridge's natural frequency, causing destructive resonance.

Why this is interesting

Have you ever noticed how pushing a swing at just the right moments makes it go higher, while pushing at the wrong times barely moves it? That is the essence of forced oscillation.