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
Answered by Oliver E. Physics tutor

5049 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

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 elecrtomagnetic spectrum. Explain how the mercury atoms become excited.


Explain in terms of the motion of the molecules of the gas why the volume of gas must increase if the pressure is to remain constant as the gas is heated.


How would you calculate the moment of a Force on a rigid object?


A student is measuring the acceleration due to gravity, g. They drop a piece of card from rest, from a vertical height of 0.75m above a light gate. The light gate measures the card's speed as it passes to be 3.84 m/s. Calculate an estimate for g.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences