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 ▸The mercury atoms in a fluorescent tube are excited and then emit photons in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Explain (i) how the mercury atoms become excited and (ii) how the excited atoms emit photons.
Experimentally, how would you calculate the Young's modulus of a material?
A cylindrical rod of radius 7mm and Young’s Modulus 70 GPa has a weight F applied to it. The material experiences a strain of 0.2%. What force has been applied?
Find the angle at which total internal refraction takes place when light is going from glass to air.