superposition of waves test

Question 1

The wave equation

Answer 1

v=fλ

where v is the speed of the wave, f is the frequency and λ is the wavelength.

Question 2

When are stationary waves formed

Answer 2

Stationary waves are formed when two identical progressive waves travelling in opposite directions meet and superpose. This usually happens when one wave is a reflection of the other.

Question 3

A stationary wave has a characteristic pattern of

Answer 3

A stationary wave has a characteristic pattern of nodes and antinodes.

Question 4

What is a node

Answer 4

A node is a point where the amplitude is always zero.

Question 5

what is an antinode

Answer 5

An antinode is a point of maximum amplitude.

Question 6

Adjacent nodes (or adjacent antinodes) are separated by

Answer 6

Adjacent nodes (or adjacent antinodes) are separated by a distance equal to half a wavelength of the progressive wave.

Question 7

What wave equation can we use to determine the speed or frequency of a progressive wave

Answer 7

We can use the wave equation v = fλ to determine the speed v or the frequency f of a progressive wave. The wavelength λ is found using the nodes or antinodes of the stationary wave pattern.