Constructing a Standing Wave Interference Pattern

In summary, the conversation was about creating a standing wave interference pattern by interfering a wave with its own reflection. The question asked for a sketch of the pattern, indicating the amplitude of the supercrests and supertroughs as well as the internodal distance. The individual who provided the summary also included links to further explanations and resources for creating a standing wave.
  • #1
nblu
56
0
Hi, the question was,
"Suppose that the wave represented by the graphs interfered with its OWN reflection.
Sketch one standing wave interference pattern you would expect to observe. On your
sketch, indicate the amplitude of each supercrest and supertrough, and the internodal
distance (using either the time or distance axis)"

So here's the Question image link,
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9025/spa0187fa2kv6.th.jpg [Broken]

and by choosing anyone of the graph, I have drawn a Standing wave, shown below.
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/6195/spa0190vs6.th.jpg [Broken]
Red line = Incident
Blue line = Reflected
Green line = Standing wave

I have read that IF a wave reflect, then it would have the same amplitude as the incident wave, and the reflected wave would also have the same frequency and wavelength as its incident wave.

However, I do not have the confidence that my diagram is correct.
I have labeled the Nodes and the Antinodes, but the rest I'm not too sure...
could anyone please correct me?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3


I appreciate your attempt at constructing a standing wave interference pattern. However, there are a few things that need to be clarified.

First, the statement "IF a wave reflects, then it would have the same amplitude as the incident wave" is not entirely accurate. The amplitude of a reflected wave can vary depending on the properties of the reflecting surface and the angle of incidence. In your diagram, it appears that you have assumed that the reflected wave has the same amplitude as the incident wave, which may not always be the case.

Secondly, the supercrests and supertroughs in your diagram are not correctly labeled. These points should correspond to the maximum and minimum amplitudes of the standing wave, which occur at the antinodes and nodes, respectively. In your diagram, it appears that you have labeled the supercrests and supertroughs as the points where the incident and reflected waves intersect, which is not accurate.

Lastly, the internodal distance should be measured between adjacent nodes or antinodes, not between the incident and reflected waves. This distance is equal to half the wavelength of the standing wave.

To improve your diagram, I suggest labeling the nodes and antinodes more clearly and accurately. Additionally, you can vary the amplitude of the reflected wave to show the potential range of amplitudes that can occur in a reflected wave. You can also label the internodal distance more accurately by measuring it between adjacent nodes or antinodes.

Overall, constructing a standing wave interference pattern is a complex process that requires precise measurements and understanding of wave properties. I suggest doing more research and consulting with experts in the field to improve your understanding and diagrams.
 

1. What is a standing wave interference pattern?

A standing wave interference pattern is a pattern created when two waves with the same frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and interfere with each other. This results in stationary points of constructive and destructive interference, creating a pattern of nodes and antinodes.

2. How is a standing wave interference pattern constructed?

A standing wave interference pattern is constructed by reflecting a wave off of a fixed end and allowing it to interfere with a second wave traveling in the opposite direction. This can be achieved using a string or rope, or by using specialized equipment such as an interferometer.

3. What are the factors that affect the formation of a standing wave interference pattern?

The factors that affect the formation of a standing wave interference pattern include the frequency and amplitude of the waves, the distance between the two sources of the waves, and any obstructions or reflections that may affect the interference pattern.

4. What is the significance of a standing wave interference pattern in science?

Standing wave interference patterns have many applications in science, including in the study of wave behavior and the properties of materials. They are also used in various technologies, such as in the construction of musical instruments and in telecommunications.

5. Can standing wave interference patterns be observed in real life?

Yes, standing wave interference patterns can be observed in real life. Some examples include the vibrations on a guitar string, the patterns created by sound waves in a pipe organ, and interference patterns produced by radio waves. They can also be observed using specialized equipment in laboratory settings.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
951
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
903
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top