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 ▸

Uranium -238 has a half life of 4.5 billion years. How long will it take a 2g sample of U-238 to contain just 0.4g of U-238?


What is the difference between internal energy, temperature, and heat?


How do I derive equations for Time of Flight and Range in Parabolic Motion?


A bungee jumper of mass 160kg falls from a cliff. The bungee cord has a natural length of 5.0m and a stiffness constant of 3.0N/m. The air resistance is a constant force of 4.0N, what's the speed of the jumper when the total length of cord is 5.9m?