Stationary waves

• Superposition is when two waves of the same type overlap and interact. The displacement of the medium where the waves overlap , is the vector sum of the two wave displacements.
• A stationary wave is a wave formed by the superposition of two progressive waves of the same frequency and amplitude travelling in opposite directions.
• Constructive interference is where the waves are in phase and add together to make a larger wave.
• Destructive interference is where the waves cancel each other out.
• The energy in a progressive wave is carried in the direction of the wave whereas energy in a stationary wave is stored.
• Frequency of progressive waves is the same at every point whereas in stationary waves the frequency is the same at every point but the nodes where frequency is 0.
• stationary waves are produced by the superposition of two progressive waves or when wave superimposes on reflected wave.