Describe how a stationary wave is formed at a boundary?

A stationary wave is a wave formed by the superposition of two progressive waves. These waves must have equal amplitude frequency and speed. They must also be travelling in opposite directions. When a wave is reflected off a denser medium at a boundary, it undergoes a phase change of pi radians. The reflected wave is then able to superimpose onto the incident wave. When the reflected wave and incident wave superimpose they form a stationary wave since they have the same amplitude, frequency and speed. Moreover they are also travelling in opposite directions.

OE

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between a Scalar and a Vector?


What do I need to do for full marks on the question "describe an everyday circumstance where resonance occurs (4 marks)"?


Derive an expression for the time taken, (t) for a test mass to fall to the ground from a height (h) in a uniform gravitational field (g = 9.81 ms^-2)


What happens to ice when energy is supplied at a constant rate in terms of the changes in energy of the molecules?