I was studying the concept of resonant frequency and I've read quite a few articles and notes on it.
What I have understood from what I have read is that the resonance frequency of an object is its natural frequency, one at which the object vibrates with the most "ease". If it is excited in a way where the frequencies produced are different from its resonance frequencies, it is relatively "difficult" for the object to vibrate and so loses more energy than it would if it were vibrating at its resonant frequency. Am I correct?
Also, in the picture below, part a) is the definition of resonance and part b) are the factors affecting resonance. In part a), it states that
The string will readily pick up energy until it is vibrating with such a large amplitude that the rate of energy loss equals the rate at which it is being supplied.
I don't quite understand why there would be such a large amount of energy loss if the vibration is in favor of the object; i.e. it is easier for the object to vibrate so it shouldn't lose that much energy right?
Also, if anyone could explain or summarize what the resonant frequency of an object really is, I would much appreciate it as I've read so many things that I am now beginning to get confused about the whole concept.