Principle of superposition and formation of stationary waves

Cards (7)

  • What is a stationary wave
    a wave which transfers no energy and who’s position of maximum and minimum amplitude are constant
  • What is a node
    A point on a stationary wave where the displacement is 0
  • What is an anti node
    A point on a stationary wave with maximum displacement
  • What are the conditions for a stationary wave to be produced
    • waves must have the Same frequency, wavelength and amplitude
    • Travelling in opposite directions
    These conditions are often met when a wave is reflected back on itself
  • How are stationary waves produced
    From the superposition of 2 progressive waves, travelling in opposite directions in the same plane, with the same frequency, wavelength and amplitude
    • where the waves meet in phase, constructive interference occurs so antinodes (regions of max amplitude) form
    • where the waves meet completely out of phase, destructive interference occurs and nodes (regions of no displacement) form
  • describe the first harmonic for a stationary wave with two closed ends
    it consists of 2 nodes at either end and an anti node in the middle
  • describe the second harmonic for a stationary wave with one open end and one closed end
    it consists of two nodes and two anti nodes, with one of the nodes at the closed end and one of the antinodes at the open end