In a stationary wave, the velocity of particles of a medium at the nodes
Correct answer: D. The velocity of particles remains constant but non-zero at the nodes.
- A. The velocity of particles becomes zero at the nodes.
- B. The velocity of particles becomes maximum at the nodes.
- C. The velocity of particles varies unpredictably at the nodes.
- D. The velocity of particles remains constant but non-zero at the nodes.
Explanation
The correct answer is that the velocity of particles at the nodes remains constant but non-zero. In a stationary wave, nodes are points of zero displacement, but the velocity can be non-zero due to the continuous oscillation of the particles around those points. The particles at the nodes do not move from their positions, but they can oscillate in place, leading to a constant velocity. The other options are incorrect because at the nodes, the displacement is zero, meaning the velocity does not become zero, maximum, or unpredictable.
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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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