COvärähdys

COvärähdys is a Finnish term that translates to "co-vibration" or "sympathetic vibration." It describes a phenomenon where one object vibrates at the same frequency as another, causing the second object to begin vibrating as well, even without direct physical contact. This occurs when the frequency of the sound waves or mechanical vibrations from the first object matches the natural resonant frequency of the second object.

The principle of COvärähdys is fundamental to many areas of physics and engineering. It explains how musical instruments can produce sound; for instance, a vibrating string can cause the body of a guitar to resonate, amplifying the sound. In acoustics, it is relevant to understanding echoes and reverberation. In mechanical systems, it can be a source of unwanted vibrations and noise, a phenomenon known as resonance, which engineers often strive to mitigate. Conversely, sympathetic resonance is sometimes intentionally employed in the design of certain devices to enhance their performance. The concept is not limited to audible sound; it applies to all forms of wave phenomena.