Difference between Natural (Free) Vibrations and Forced Vibrations

Natural (Free) Vibrations:

1.) The vibrations of a body in absence of any resistive or external force are called natural vibrations.

2.) The frequency of vibration depends on the shape and size of the body.

3.) The frequency of vibration remains Constant.

4.) The amplitude of vibration remains constant with time (in absence of surrounding medium).

Forced Vibrations:

1.) The vibrations of a body in a medium in presence of an external periodic force are called forced vibrations.

2.) The frequency of vibration is equal to the frequency of the applied force.

3.) The frequency of vibration changes with change in the frequency of the applied force.

4.) The amplitude of vibration depends on the frequency of the applied force.