Physics principles, standing wave?

In summary, standing waves are a type of wave that occurs when two waves with the same frequency and amplitude interfere with each other, resulting in a stable pattern of nodes and antinodes. The key physics principles behind standing waves are interference and resonance, and they have various real-world applications in fields such as music, optics, and engineering. The formation of standing waves can be affected by factors such as frequency, amplitude, and boundary conditions, and they are different from traveling waves in terms of energy transfer and the presence of fixed points.
  • #1
Syzygy271
1
0
I found that if you have a stretched wire under tension that if you

a) change the length the change in frequency is directly proportional to the change in length.

b) change the mass the change in frequency is inversely proportional to the change in mass.

Does anyone know how to back this up with relevant physics? Any useful links?

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2

1. What is a standing wave?

A standing wave is a type of wave that occurs when two waves with the same frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and interfere with each other. This results in a stable pattern of nodes and antinodes, where the amplitude of the wave remains constant at certain points along the medium.

2. What are the physics principles behind standing waves?

The key physics principles behind standing waves are interference and resonance. Interference occurs when two waves meet and either reinforce or cancel each other out. In the case of standing waves, the waves reinforce each other at certain points, creating the nodes and antinodes. Resonance occurs when an object is forced to vibrate at its natural frequency, which is also the frequency of the standing wave. This allows the wave to maintain its amplitude and form a stable pattern.

3. How are standing waves used in real-world applications?

Standing waves have numerous applications in various fields, including music, optics, and engineering. In music, standing waves are responsible for the production of different musical notes on instruments such as stringed instruments and wind instruments. In optics, standing waves are used in devices such as lasers and interferometers. In engineering, standing waves are used to detect flaws in materials by analyzing the interference patterns produced.

4. What factors affect the formation of standing waves?

The formation of standing waves can be affected by several factors, including the frequency and amplitude of the waves, the distance between the wave source and the reflecting surface, and the properties of the medium the waves are traveling through. Additionally, the boundary conditions, such as fixed or free ends, can also impact the formation of standing waves.

5. How are standing waves different from traveling waves?

The main difference between standing waves and traveling waves is that standing waves do not propagate or transfer energy through the medium, while traveling waves do. Standing waves also have fixed points, nodes and antinodes, where the amplitude remains constant, while traveling waves have a continuously changing amplitude as they propagate. Additionally, standing waves are formed by the interference of two waves, while traveling waves are produced by a single disturbance.

Similar threads

Critical frequency of Faraday Waves?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
241
I Let a standing wave of length L go, get traveling wave of length 2L?
    • Mechanics
Replies
11
Views
808
B Acoustic levitation: high or low pressure?
    • Mechanics
Replies
4
Views
761
B Standing or Stationary Wave: Exploring the Definition and Interpretation
    • Classical Physics
Replies
19
Views
1K
Where are the pressure nodes on a standing acoustic wave in water?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
1K
I Is nonlinear acoustics in mainstream physics?
    • Classical Physics
2
Replies
42
Views
2K
B Are Beats and Standing Waves Related in Physics?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
3
Views
2K
Standing waves on string with increasing tension
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
5K
I Sound pressure and inverse distance law
    • Mechanics
Replies
5
Views
1K
Node Counting Circuit for Standing Wave Generator
    • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top