Wave Phenomena - Stationary Waves And Path Difference

Question 1

Stationary Wave

Answer 1

Stores energy. Caused when 2 identical waves pass through each other in opposite directions. Contains nodes and antinodes

Question 2

Nodes

Answer 2

Points of minimum oscillation (node to node distance = λ/2)

Question 3

Antinodes

Answer 3

Points of maximum oscillation

Question 4

Path Difference

Answer 4

Difference in distance travelled by two waves to a point. Used to calculate phase difference. If the path difference is an odd multiple of λ/2 then the phase difference is 180° whereas if it’s a multiple of λ then the phase difference is 0°