Can Standing Waves Have Both Transverse and Longitudinal Components?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the nature of standing waves, specifically whether they can exhibit both transverse and longitudinal components. It explores theoretical implications and examples from various contexts, including waveguides and water waves.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether standing waves can be both transverse and longitudinal.
  • One participant notes that resonance in musical instruments relies on standing waves, implying a connection to their properties.
  • Another participant suggests that in a waveguide, both transverse waves and a longitudinal component can coexist.
  • A later reply expands on this by stating that water waves, which are commonly observed, exhibit both longitudinal and vertical displacement, describing their appearance as sinusoidal at low amplitudes but more peaked at high amplitudes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of standing waves, with some suggesting the possibility of both components while others provide examples that may support this idea. The discussion remains unresolved regarding a definitive consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify specific definitions of standing waves or the conditions under which they may exhibit both types of components, leaving some assumptions unaddressed.

Physics_Lovvee
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Can standing waves be both transverse and longitudinal?
 
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Resonance in musical instruments relies on standing wave.
 
Physics_Lovvee said:
Can standing waves be both transverse and longitudinal?
In a waveguide, we can have both transverse waves and a longitudinal component.
 
tech99 said:
In a waveguide, we can have both transverse waves and a longitudinal component.
Also, the most commonly observed waves - water waves- are surface waves and there is displacement both longitudinally and vertically. The surface waves 'look' sinusoidal at low amplitudes but become very much more 'peaky' at high amplitude.
 

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