Stationary Waves

Question 1

How do they occur ?

Answer 1

When two progressive waves with equal amplitude and wavelength superpose with each other. (they can be emitted in opposite directions, or when one wave is reflected 180 from a surface or a point.)

Question 2

Characteristics

Answer 2

• Stores energy
• No movement of wave shape
• Neighbouring points have different amplitudes
• Neighbouring pinot have n(pi) phase difference
• Has nodes

Question 3

Nodes

Answer 3

Have no deflection (a change in a moving objects velocity) when it goes through destructive superposition as the waves displacement cancels out.

Question 4

Coherent meaning

Answer 4

fixed/constant phase difference

Question 5

Antinodes

Answer 5

Have maximum deflection, when it goes through constructive superposition as the displacement combine.

Question 6

What occurs at nodes and antinodes

Answer 6

There is always destructive superposition at a node and constructive superposition at an antinode. This is because as two coherent progressive waves superpose, they pass each other at equal speeds in opposite directions.