Explain how a standing wave is set up on a string fixed at both ends.
An oscillation is send down the string which is reflected at the other end. This leads to the superposition of two waves, the transmitted and reflected wave, on the string. At the ends, where reflection occurs, the two waves are 180 degrees out of phase, leading to non-moving points, or nodes. This also occurs at any point along the string where the waves are 180 degrees out of phase. Where the two waves are in phase, the amplitudes add together creating the greatest motion of the string, known as an antinode.
PS
Related Physics A Level answers
All answers ▸Using Fermat's Principle explain why it makes sense for light be refracted when crossing from one medium into another that has a different refractive index.
Give an example of 3 different types of radiation stating their make up, penetration and ionising effect.
What happens to the pressure inside a gas-filled ball when the temperature is increased? Explain your answer, stating the assumption made.
A pendulum of mass m is released from height h with a speed v at the bottom of its swing. a) What is the gravitational potential energy at height h and the kinetic energy at the bottom of its swing? b) Use conservation of energy to define the speed v.