Standing Waves

What is a standing wave?

A standing wave is the result of identical, periodic waves moving in opposite directions.

When reflected waves interfere with incident waves, a pattern results that appears to be stationary.

The standing wave pattern shown below has 3 distinct lobes, which are called “anti-nodes”. It

also has 4 regions called “nodes”.

Nodes are regions of zero displacement caused by total destructive interference.

Anti-nodes are regions of maximum displacement caused by constructive interference.

Fixed at both ends

Open at both ends & Open at one end