Understanding Standing Wave Basics for Non-Physicists

[yerpo]

As I https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=283482", I'm struggling with physical basics of vibration in rods as a non-physicist.

If someone would be kind enough to explain in simplest possible terms, I would like to understand two things:

1. What is the relation between standing waves and natural frequency for a given substrate? (except that oscillation at one of the natural frequencies is more likely to form standing waves because it bounces back and forth more times)

2. What does the transient time of continuous vibration tell me about either?

Thanks,

 

[yerpo]

Anyone?

 

[charng]

I understand that standing waves and natural frequency can be confusing concepts for non-physicists. Let me try to break it down for you.

1. Standing waves are formed when two waves with the same frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and interfere with each other. This interference creates nodes (points of zero displacement) and antinodes (points of maximum displacement) along the medium. The natural frequency of a substrate is the frequency at which it will vibrate most easily and with the least amount of energy. When a substrate is excited at its natural frequency, it is more likely to form standing waves because the waves will continue to reflect back and forth between the nodes and antinodes, reinforcing each other.

2. The transient time of continuous vibration refers to the amount of time it takes for the substrate to reach a steady state of vibration. This is affected by the substrate's natural frequency. If the excitation frequency is close to the natural frequency, the transient time will be shorter because the substrate will quickly reach a state of standing waves. If the excitation frequency is not close to the natural frequency, the transient time will be longer as the substrate takes longer to reach a steady state of vibration.

I hope this helps to clarify the concepts of standing waves and natural frequency for you. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.