natural frequency

Natural frequency is the specific rate at which an object or structure tends to vibrate when disturbed, without any continuous external force. Imagine a tuning fork: when struck, it vibrates at a particular pitch, its natural frequency. Every object has its own natural frequency based on its material, shape, and size. If external vibrations match this frequency, the object can resonate, amplifying the motion—which can sometimes cause damage. Understanding natural frequency helps engineers design structures to avoid such resonance and ensure stability and safety.