Forced oscillation is a phenomenon where an external force drives a system to oscillate at a specific frequency. This occurs when a periodic force, such as a motor or a vibrating source, is applied to an object, causing it to move back and forth. The system responds by oscillating in sync with the applied force, regardless of its natural frequency.
In many cases, forced oscillation can lead to resonance, where the amplitude of the oscillation increases significantly. This happens when the frequency of the external force matches the system's natural frequency, resulting in maximum energy transfer. Examples of forced oscillation can be seen in musical instruments, such as guitars, where strings vibrate due to external plucking.