What is a stationary wave?

A stationary wave forms when there are two waves of equal frequency (or wavelength) travelling in opposite directions, passing through one another. Interference occurs, with constructive interference at antinodes and destructive interference at nodes. That is to say, there is maximum displacement at antinodes and no displacement at nodes. Particles either side of the nodes are in antiphase (between two nodes in phase). Amplitude may vary between nodes. 

SP

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Ignoring air resistance, use an energy argument to find the speed of a ball when it hits the ground if it is dropped from 50m, where m is the mass of the ball.


What is the difference between potential energy and potential?


By referencing the magnetic field and the alternating potential difference explain how a cyclotron produces a beam of high speed particles.


A 4 metre long bar rotates freely around a central pivot. 3 forces act upon it: 7N down, 2m to the left of the pivot; 8N up, 1m to the left of the pivot; 4N up, 1m to the right of the pivot. Apply one additional force to place the bar in equilibrium.