Describe how a stationary wave is formed and some of its properties.

Stationary waves are waves that do not transfer energy. These occur where both ends of the wave are in fixed positions. An example of this would be a string on a violin. As the wave reachs the end of the string it is reflected back onto the oncoming wave. This is called a superposition. Certain parts of the wave are seen to have no disturbance at all. These are called Nodes and occur where one wave's displacement is canceled out by the other wave and there in no net displacement. This is called destructive interference. Other parts of the wave have parts of maximum disturbance where the peak of one wave meets the peak of the other wave. This is called the antinode. the relative amplitudes and number of nodes and antinodes varies the sound which is heard by the violin

MH
Answered by Matthew H. Physics tutor

16661 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is viscosity?


Uranium -238 has a half life of 4.5 billion years. How long will it take a 2g sample of U-238 to contain just 0.4g of U-238?


What is the period and frequency of a wave? - GCSE or A-Level students may ask this


2 identical trolleys of mass M(one is loaded with 2 blocks of mass m) are on a ramp inclined at 35° and are connected by a wire that passes around a pulley at the top of the ramp. They are released and accelerate accordingly. Show that a=(mgsin35°)/(M+m).


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning