Nodes & Antinodes
- A standing wave is made up nodes and antinodes
- Nodes are locations of zero amplitude and they are separated by half a wavelength (λ/2)
- Antinodes are locations of maximum amplitude
- The nodes and antinodes do not move along the wave
- Nodes are fixed and antinodes only oscillate in the vertical direction
Nodes and antinodes of a stationary wave of wavelength λ on a string of length L at a point in time
The Formation of Nodes and Antinodes
- Nodes are formed as a result of destructive interference
- The amplitude of both waves cancel out
- Antinodes are formed as a result of constructive interference
- The amplitude of both waves add together
Nodes and antinodes are a result of destructive and constructive interference respectively
- At the nodes:
- The waves are in anti-phase meaning destructive interference occurs
- This causes the two waves to cancel each other out
- At the antinodes:
- The waves are in phase meaning constructive interference occurs
- This causes the waves to add together
Phase on a Standing Wave
- Two points on a standing wave are either In Phase
- Points that have an odd number of nodes between them are in anti-phase
- Points that have an even number of nodes between them are in phase
- All points within a "loop" are in phase
Points A, B and D are all in phase. While points A and D are in antiphase with point C
Worked Example
Which row in the table correctly describes the length of L and the name of X and Y?
ANSWER: C
