Standing Waves

    A standing wave occurs when when two waves with equal properties interfere with one another. The interference produces a motion that resembles a 'loop' which moves from side to side. The antinodes are the tops (bumps) of the loops, which is the maximum constructive interference. Destructive interference occurs when the point in the standing wave does not move.



    Refer to page 228 of the Physics 11 textbook for further diagrams. 

    Through our standing wave generator experiment, we noticed that the string we used contained three antinodes and two nodes, when we held the string vertically with a wave generator attached to the end of the string. This occurred because the wave generator created upwards waves within the sting, which was reflected into downwards waves. This occurance created a standing wave and a superwave.

    We also learnt that the greater the frequency, the shorter the wavelength. The same idea applies as the slower the frequency, the longer the wavelength.

    Standing waves can also be demonstrated with different materials, such as a slinky and various string instruments.

   The next blog post will be done by the shortest person in the class.