waves on a string

Question 1

what is phase difference

Answer 1

the angle at which the point in a wave is out of phase with the other

Question 2

constructive interference

Answer 2

when 2 waves conflict to create a wave with a larger amplitude. They form on any even integer multiple of a wavelength

Question 3

destructive interference

Answer 3

when 2 waves conflict to create a wave with a displacement of 0. They form on any odd integer of a wavelength

Question 4

antinode

Answer 4

a point on the wave where the string experiences the most movement, where constructive interference of the waves on the string occurs

Question 5

node

Answer 5

a point on the wave where the string experiences the least amount of movement, where destructive interference of the waves on the string occur

Question 6

explain the differences between a standing wave and a travelling wave

Answer 6

travelling wave:
- energy is stored across the string
- the amplitude of the wave changes as the waves on a string constructively interfere
- they are in phase with the original wave
- the phase changes gradually

standing wave:
- energy is reflected off the clamp and a small amount of that energy dissipates to the surroundings
- the amplitude is constant, resides at the antinodes of a wave
- the phase difference is 180 degrees out of phase with the original

Question 7

how do you calculate phase difference

Answer 7

• find the wavelength of a string using hz and m/s
• find the path difference between the two points
• divide the path difference by the wavelength
• multiply by 360
• remove whole numbers, since they represent full wavelengths

Question 8

phase

Answer 8

a point in oscillation expressed as an angle

Question 9

what is the fundamental (first harmonic)

Answer 9

• 2 nodes and one antinode
• the wavelength of a fundamental is double the length of the string