Formation of Stationary Waves (AQA A Level Physics)

The Principle of Superposition

• The principle of superposition states:

When two or more waves with the same frequency arrive at a point, the resultant displacement is the sum of the displacements of each wave

• This principle describes how waves that meet at a point in space interact
• When two waves with the same frequency and amplitude arrive at a point, they superpose either:
  • In phase, causing constructive interference. The peaks and troughs line up on both waves and the resultant wave has double the amplitude
  • In anti-phase, causing destructive interference. The peaks on one wave line up with the troughs of the other. The resultant wave has no amplitude

Waves in superposition can undergo constructive or destructive interference

• The principle of superposition applies to all types of waves i.e. transverse and longitudinal, progressive and stationary

The Formation of Stationary Waves

• A stationary wave is formed when:

Two waves travelling in opposite directions along the same line with the same frequency superpose

• The waves must have:
  • The same wavelength)
  • A similar amplitude

• As a result of superposition, a resultant wave is produced

Nodes and antinodes are a result of destructive and constructive interference respectively

• At the nodes:
  • The waves are in anti-phase meaning destructive interference occurs
  • This causes the two waves to cancel each other out

• At the antinodes:
  • The waves are in phase meaning constructive interference occurs
  • This causes the waves to add together

• Each point on the stationary wave has a different amplitude (unlike a progressive / travelling wave where each point has the same amplitude)

A graphical representation of how stationary waves are formed - the black line represents the resulting wave

Stretched Strings

• Vibrations caused by stationary waves on a stretched string produce sound
  • This is how stringed instruments, such as guitars or violins, work

• This can be demonstrated by a length of string under tension fixed at one end and vibrations made by an oscillator:

Stationary wave on a stretched string

• At specific frequencies, known as resonant frequencies, a whole number of half wavelengths will fit on the length of the string
• As the resonant frequencies of the oscillator are achieved, standing waves with different numbers of minima (nodes) and maxima (antinodes) form

Microwaves

• A microwave source is placed in line with a reflecting plate and a small detector between the two
• The reflector can be moved to and from the source to vary the stationary wave pattern formed
• By moving the detector, it can pick up the minima (nodes) and maxima (antinodes) of the stationary wave pattern

Using microwaves to demonstrate stationary waves

Sound Waves

• Sound waves can be produced as a result of the formation of stationary waves inside an air column
  • This is how musical instruments, such as clarinets and organs, work

• This can be demonstrated by placing a fine powder inside the air column and a loudspeaker at the open end
• At certain frequencies, the powder forms evenly spaced heaps along the tube, showing where there is zero disturbance as a result of the nodes of the stationary wave

Stationary wave in an air column

• In order to produce a stationary wave, there must be a minima (node) at one end and a maxima (antinode) at the end with the loudspeaker