Setting up a stationary wave using a vibration generator and a rubber band
The distance between two consecutive nodes (or two consecutive anti-nodes) is half the wavelength of the travelling wave that produced it.
DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO CONSECUTIVE NODES OR TWO CONSECUTIVE ANTINODES
Inter-node distance l wavelength of the travelling wave that is producing the stationary wave
l 2
How stationary waves are produced
A stationary wave is produced when two periodic travelling waves of the same frequency and the same amplitude moving in opposite directions combine. It is generally produced by a periodic travelling wave being reflected upon itself. Fig 11.7 shows two periodic travelling waves (one red and one blue) moving in opposite directions. Each of the illustrations (a) to (e) shows the two waves combine to produce the resultant (pink) wave.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d) Fig 11.7: Illustration of how stationary waves are produced Fundamental Frequency
FUNDAMENTAL FREQUENCY Fundamental frequency is the lowest natural frequency of a vibrating object.
When dealing with vibrating objects producing sound, the natural frequency is referred to as the fundamental frequency.
