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 an ohmic resistor? How to check if a resistor is ohmic?


A circuit with a voltage source of 18V, has 3 resistors all connected on parallel, values at 2ohms, 6ohms and 7.5ohms. Find the total circuit resistance, and then subsequently, the total current supplied and power dissipated in the curcuit.


Electrons moving in a beam have the same de Broglie wavelength as protons in a separate beam moving at a speed of 2.8 × 10^4 m/s . What is the speed of the electrons?


What is electromotive force (emf) and how can the emf of a battery be measured?