Standing Wave Nodes and Interference on a Stretched String

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In the discussion about standing wave nodes on a stretched string, participants analyze the interaction of two sinusoidal waves traveling in opposite directions. Each wave has a wavelength of 5m and is on a 20m string, leading to the formation of standing waves. The key focus is on determining the number of nodes, excluding the fixed ends, which results from the interference of the two waves. The importance of visualizing the waves and their reinforcement at various points is emphasized to understand the nodes' formation. Ultimately, the collision of the waves is deemed relevant to the overall analysis of the standing wave pattern.
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Homework Statement


Two sinusodial waves, each of wavelength 5m and amplitude 10cm, travel in opposite directions on a 20m streched string which is clamped at each end. Excluding the nodes at the ends , how many nodes appear in the resulting standing wave?

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The Attempt at a Solution


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So I just drew a picture, 20m long string, and drew a wave through it with each wavelength being 5m. I basically disregarded that there were two separate waves. I still got the right answer. Is the fact that they collide irrelevant? Why?
 
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RUphysics3 said:
So I just drew a picture, 20m long string, and drew a wave through it with each wavelength being 5m. I basically disregarded that there were two separate waves. I still got the right answer. Is the fact that they collide irrelevant? Why?
It is only irrelevant once proved to be so.
Consider an instant at which the two waves reinforce to the maximum extent at some point. Drawa picture of this. Draw the two individual waves on the same picture. Do they reinforce everywhere at that time? Compare the nodes of the three waves.
 
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