Stationary waves

Need to know

What you need to know

• Stationary waves are formed by the principle of superposition.
• Superposition states that when two or more waves meet at a point, the resultant displacement is the vector sum of the individual displacements.
• A stationary wave is produced by the superposition of two progressive waves of the same frequency, wavelength, and amplitude, travelling in opposite directions.
• This is commonly achieved when a wave reflects from a boundary and interferes with the incident wave.
• Constructive interference (waves in phase) and destructive interference (waves in antiphase) occur at fixed positions.

Explanation

Stationary waves

1. Stationary waves are formed by the principle of superposition.
2. Superposition states that when two or more waves meet at a point, the resultant displacement is the vector sum of the individual displacements.
3. A stationary wave is produced by the superposition of two progressive waves of the same frequency, wavelength, and amplitude, travelling in opposite directions.
4. This is commonly achieved when a wave reflects from a boundary and interferes with the incident wave.