Stationary Waves

Question 1

Define stationary waves.

Answer 1

These are waves that seem to be not moving from the source to the receiver.
These types of waves are formed by the superposition of 2 identical waves moving in opposite directions.
The 2 waves are one incident waves and one reflected wave.

Question 2

Define node.

Answer 2

These are points of zero displacement on a stationary wave.

Question 3

Define antinode.

Answer 3

These are points of maximum displacement on a stationary wave.

Question 4

What are the differences between stationary and progressive waves?

Answer 4

Stationary waves’ amplitude varies across wave, however all points on a progressive wave have the same amplitude.
Stationary waves’ points between nodes have the same phase, but there is a 180 degree phase change across a node. However, progressive waves have a continuous phase change along the wave.