What is the process called when a column of air vibrates at the same rate as a tuning fork?

The process in which a column of air vibrates at the same rate as a tuning fork is known as resonance. This phenomenon occurs when an object is subjected to vibrations at its natural frequency, leading to an amplification of sound. When the frequency of the tuning fork matches the natural frequency of the air column, the air resonates, resulting in an increase in the amplitude of the vibration. This is a crucial concept in physics and acoustics, as it explains how sound waves can interact with different mediums to create louder sounds or specific tonal qualities.

In contrast, assimilation refers to the process of integrating new information into existing frameworks in cognitive theories. Diffraction involves the bending of waves around obstacles and openings, which does not directly relate to matching frequencies. Transmission indicates the passage of waves through a medium, which does not capture the amplification aspect that resonance conveys. Thus, resonance is the most appropriate term to describe the described phenomenon.