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

16627 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A person stands on top of a cliff and throws a ball with a speed of 20 m/s at an angle of 10 degrees from above the horizontal into the sea. What is the height of the cliff to 1 decimal place?


If a car is traveling at a speed of 10m/s. The driving force of 500N is required to keep the speed constant . What is the power supplied by the engine?


Define the terms "acceleration" and "displacement". Explain simple harmonic motion with reference to both of these quantities.


A student studied how a few parameters of the electromagnetic radiation affects the I-V(current-voltage) curve of photoelectricity. By increasing one parameter he saw that the saturation current has risen. Which parameter it was?


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