Standing Waves vs Traveling Waves

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    Standing waves Waves
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the differences between standing waves and traveling waves, with specific inquiries about the nature of waves in strings, ocean waves, and electromagnetic waves. Participants explore the mechanics of wave motion and energy transfer in various contexts, including classical and quantum descriptions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why standing waves in a string do not move like ocean waves and seeks clarification on how photons travel from the sun.
  • Another participant suggests that the original poster should conduct preliminary research to build a foundational understanding before seeking answers.
  • A claim is made that photons do not travel as waves and are purely quantum mechanical phenomena, which may not align with classical wave descriptions.
  • A participant expresses confusion about how energy input at one end of a string can create a standing wave without lateral motion.
  • There is a discussion about the motion of water molecules in ocean waves, where one participant notes that water molecules move vertically while the wave moves laterally.
  • One participant points out that electromagnetic waves can also form standing waves, particularly in cavities.
  • Several participants emphasize the need for intermediate questions to guide understanding and suggest watching videos for further clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views and remains unresolved regarding the nature of photons and the mechanics of wave motion in different contexts. Participants express varying levels of understanding and confusion about the concepts presented.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including missing assumptions about wave mechanics, the dependence on definitions of waves, and unresolved questions regarding the energy transfer in standing waves.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in wave mechanics, including students studying physics, educators seeking to clarify concepts, and anyone curious about the differences between various types of waves.

sayetsu
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TL;DR
Would someone explain it, including examples?
Why is a standing wave in a string not moving toward you like an ocean wave? How do photons travel from the sun as waves? What's the difference?
 
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I think you should at least make an attempt to answer these questions based on some web research. Then we can answer specific questions that were raised during the course of your research. Giving you an answer when you have not built a background is pointless.
 
sayetsu said:
How do photons travel from the sun as waves?
Photons do not travel as waves. They're a purely quantum mechanical phenomenon, and aren't involved in the description of light as electromagnetic waves at all.

You will want to start by getting a thorough understanding of the classical behavior of waves (including standing and traveling waves, the first part fo your question). Until then, you should try hard to forget that you ever heard the word "photon".
 
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Sorry. I admit I was being lazy. I think I get standing waves vs EM waves, but I don't get ocean waves. Why/how does a wind wave move laterally when the water molecules are moving vertically?
 
Also, I just realized there's more I don't get. How does providing energy at, say, the end of a string produce a standing wave along its entire length if there is no lateral motion?
 
sayetsu said:
Also, I just realized there's more I don't get. How does providing energy at, say, the end of a string produce a standing wave along its entire length if there is no lateral motion?
When you pluck a guitar string, does your finger displace only the point where it touches the string or the entire string? Try answering your own questions by asking intermediate questions on the path to the final answer.
 
It's also not standing waves vs. em. waves. Also em. waves can be standing waves, e.g., the em. waves in a cavity.
 
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sayetsu said:
Also, I just realized there's more I don't get. How does providing energy at, say, the end of a string produce a standing wave along its entire length if there is no lateral motion?

Watch this video.
 
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nsaspook said:
Watch this video.


The classic :smile:
 
  • #10
Water waves are fun to study but are somewhat different. Actually a bit of ocean water travels around an ellipse as the wave crest passes. But look at them a little later!
 
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