Understanding the Difference Between Modes and Nodes

[jamescho]

Homework Statement

What is the difference between a mode and a node

The Attempt at a Solution

I am not really sure, because they seem exactly the same to me. Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[Doc Al]

In a standing wave, a node is a place where the medium doesn't move--as opposed to an anti-node, which has maximum movement. See this: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/waves/funhar.html#c3"

The vibration mode has to do with the frequency (or wavelength) of the standing wave, which can be determined by counting the number of nodes in the standing wave. Read this about http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/waves/string.html#c3", each harmonic being another vibrational mode.