Formation of Standing Waves
Standing waves also sometimes referred to as stationary waves, is the result of interference between two waves of the same frequency and amplitude moving in opposite directions. A pattern of nodes, or points of zero displacement, and antinodes, or points of maximum displacement, that appear to be stationary or “standing” in space is the result of this interference. Standing waves can occur in membranes, pipes, strings, and other systems. Here’s how standing waves develop in various situations:
Standing Waves on String
A wave pulse is created on a string that is fixed at both ends, travels down the string, and when it reaches the end, it reflects back. Constructive interference and standing waves result when a wave’s frequency is such that the time it takes a pulse to travel from one end to the other and back is an integer multiple of the wave’s period.
Nodes and Antinodes in Standing Wave
Nodes: These are immobile peaks of the medium where two waves of unequal amplitudes arrive and then, as a result, cancel each other out, leading to zero displacement. The interfering waves at a node will have equal forces in opposite directions therefore medium is immobile seeing it motionless.
Antinodes: On the contrary, the antinodes are the places of maximal amplitude which wave will return to begin a new cycle. When the waves encounter these sites, the amplitudes of the interfering waves become maximum, due to this, the maximum sway (oscillation) takes place in the medium. Antinodes are like the energy stations where maximum amount of energy leaking is imagined and they show most notable displacement within the wave.
Standing Waves
Standing Waves are one of the most fascinating processes that occurs in the course of expanding waves traveling through any medium. While traveling waves, move ahead through space, stay a traveling one without having a place to stop, the standing waves do the contrary: they oscillate in-situ, standing still. The distinctive characteristics and wide distribution of them provide the grounds for many researchers’ interests as these phenomena are investigated by different branches of science.
This article explores standing waves: their formation, characteristics, equations, types, and applications across various disciplines like acoustics and optics.
Table of Content
- What are Standing Waves?
- Formation of Standing Waves
- Equation of a Standing Wave
- Relationship Between Wavelength and Frequency
- Harmonics and Overtones
- Types of Standing Waves
- Properties of Standing Waves