A stationary wave is formed when
Correct answer: B. two identical waves travel in opposite directions and superpose
- A. two identical waves travel in the same direction
- B. two identical waves travel in opposite directions and superpose
- C. a wave is absorbed by a wall
- D. a single wave travels through a very long medium
Explanation
Usually the incident wave and its own reflection interfere, producing a pattern with fixed nodes of zero displacement and antinodes of maximum displacement. No energy is transported along a stationary wave, unlike a progressive wave, which is the essential difference between them. The distance between two adjacent nodes is half a wavelength.
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About Stationary Waves
Stationary waves form when two waves of the same frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and interfere. The topic covers nodes, antinodes, wavelength, phase, resonance, and the allowed frequencies on strings and in air columns. Unlike progressive waves, stationary waves do not transfer energy from one point to another.
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