Standing Waves
Part of the Optics, Waves and Modern Physics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 22 of 53.
Two waves going opposite ways make a standing wave: it swings in place.
Nodes never move; antinodes swing most. Nodes are λ/2 apart.
The fixed ends are nodes:
L = n λ / 2
Challenge
A string 1.2 m long, fixed at both ends, swings with three loops. What is the wavelength λ of this standing wave?
Try it yourself
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Optics, Waves and Modern Physics
1Reflection and Refraction
Reflection of LightThe Refractive IndexSnell's LawTotal Internal ReflectionDispersionApparent DepthRecap - Optical Fiber4Mechanical Waves
What a Wave IsTwo Graphs of a WaveWhen Pulses MeetInterferenceStanding WavesHarmonicsRecap - Guitar String