An ultraviolet wave of continuous frequency reflects from a solid surface back in the direction of the transmitter. Assuming no amplitude is lost, describe and explain the behaviour of the particles in the medium between the transmitter and surface.

The transmitted and reflected waves are of equal frequency and are both continuous, so they will superpose and interfere with each other. In the regions of maximal constructive interference, antinodes will form where the particles have maximum amplitude, equal to double the amplitude of the initial wave. In regions of maximum destructive interference, nodes will form which have an amplitude of zero: the particles in this region will not move. This is a standing wave.

JS
Answered by Jonas S. Physics tutor

2079 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the de Broglie wavelength of a dust particle that has a mass of 1e-10 kg and a velocity of 0.05m/s?


A small ball is projected with speed 15 m/s at an angle of 60 degrees above the horizontal. Find the distance from the point of projection of the ball at the instant when it is travelling horizontally.


A cannon ball is fired at an angle 30 degrees from horizontal from a cannon with a speed 30km/h, a) calculate how high the cannonball flies, and the horizontal distance from the cannon the cannonball reaches


Why do skydivers have a terminal velocity?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning