Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2014

Last exams 2024

|

Nodes & Antinodes (DP IB Physics: SL)

Revision Note

Test yourself
Ashika

Author

Ashika

Last updated

Nodes & Antinodes

  • A standing wave is made up nodes and antinodes
    • Nodes are locations of zero amplitude and they are separated by half a wavelength (λ/2)
    • Antinodes are locations of maximum amplitude

  • The nodes and antinodes do not move along the wave
    • Nodes are fixed and antinodes only oscillate in the vertical direction

Nodes and antinodes, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Nodes and antinodes of a stationary wave of wavelength λ on a string of length L at a point in time 

The Formation of Nodes and Antinodes

  • Nodes are formed as a result of destructive interference
    • The amplitude of both waves cancel out
  • Antinodes are formed as a result of constructive interference
    • The amplitude of both waves add together

Formation of stationary waves (1), downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

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

Phase on a Standing Wave

  • Two points on a standing wave are either In Phase
    • Points that have an odd number of nodes between them are in anti-phase
    • Points that have an even number of nodes between them are in phase
    • All points within a "loop" are in phase

  4-5-2-phase_sl-physics-rn

Points A, B and D are all in phase. While points A and D are in antiphase with point C

Worked example

Which row in the table correctly describes the length of L and the name of X and Y?

we---nodes-and-antinodes-question-image1

WE - Nodes and Antinodes question image(2), downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

ANSWER: C

Worked example - nodes and antinodes (2), downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Ashika

Author: Ashika

Expertise: Physics Project Lead

Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.