Is this an accurate description of standing waves?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the formation of standing waves, with participants exploring the mechanics of how these waves develop and the behavior of antinodes. The scope includes conceptual explanations and references to visual aids for better understanding.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes standing waves as resulting from the superposition of two progressive waves of the same frequency traveling in opposite directions, leading to nodes and antinodes based on constructive and destructive interference.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the movement of antinodes and seeks clarification on this aspect.
  • Several participants share links to animations that illustrate standing waves, suggesting that visual aids may help clarify the concept.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of independently searching for information and suggests using Google for finding relevant animations and resources.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reflects a mix of understanding and confusion regarding the explanation of standing waves, particularly concerning the movement of antinodes. There is no consensus on the best way to explain these concepts, and participants are exploring various resources to aid their understanding.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about specific aspects of standing waves, such as the mechanics behind the movement of antinodes, indicating that further clarification or exploration may be needed.

Ytfeza
Hi all, is my description below a reasonable attempt in explaining how a standing wave forms?
The main part I am a bit confused as to how to explain is why the antinodes move up and down. Thanks!A standing wave is formed when energy of a wave of the right frequency is trapped in the system causing resonance to occur. This occurs when there are two progressive waves with the same frequency approaching each other in opposite directions (reflected wave superimposing with the incident wave). As the two waves superimpose there will be points in the standing wave where the two waves are always antiphase (out of phase by pi radians), so they will destructively interfere producing nodes (always nodes). In the middle of two adjacent nodes the waves will be in phase so constructively interfere to produce antinodes with max amplitude. Between a node and an antinode the amplitude varies depending on how much amplitude from the two waves constructively add together. Between two nodes the antinode's amplitude changes from max to min (up/down) as particles passes through the equilibrium position because as the two waves move their phase begins to shift, so between the two nodes constructive and destructive interference can occur. When constructive occurs the particles at the antinode are at a maximum displacement (either + or -), and when it reaches the equilibrium (same position as the stationary nodes) the two progressive waves are out phase and destructively interfere. Hence, the particles in the standing wave have the most potential energy when they are at a maximum amplitude and most kinetic when passing through the equilibrium.
 
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Ytfeza said:
Hi all, is my description below a reasonable attempt in explaining how a standing wave forms?
The main part I am a bit confused as to how to explain is why the antinodes move up and down. Thanks!

Check out this animation:

You can use the YouTube Settings button to slow it down, which may help make what's happening clearer.
 
pixel said:
Check out this animation:

You can use the YouTube Settings button to slow it down, which may help make what's happening clearer.


Does anyone have a link to that website with animation ?
 
Frenemy90210 said:
Does anyone have a link to that website with animation ?

it's on youtube

right click on video and select copy video url
 
davenn said:
it's on youtube

right click on video and select copy video url

No, I meant the website ( or tool) that is shown in the youtube video.
 
Ytfeza said:
The main part I am a bit confused as to how to explain is why the antinodes move up and down.
The polarity of a traveling wave alternates each side of zero so the sum of two waves (the standing wave) will do the same where there is constructive interference.
It is very important that you learn to search for this sort of information yourself. A few attempts at a google search (with trial and error selection of different terms) will give you more hits than every you can get with individual recommendations from PF. If you are looking for animations then the Videos button on the google search will give you many suggestions. the same applies to Images.
 

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