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Standing Waves |
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When a wave is held fixed at both ends, it is possible to set up standing waves when the proper
frequency is used. The interference of the incident wave and the reflected wave occur in such a manner that there are
specific points along the medium which appear to be standing still. Because the observed wave pattern is characterized by
points which appear to be standing still, the pattern is often called a standing wave pattern. At other points, the displacement changes over time in a regular manner. These points vibrate back and forth.
It is possible to set up these standing waves with different frequencies but these frequencies are all simple multiples of the lowest
frequency wave, or fundamental. These frequencies are known as harmonics. This occurs because the lengths of the waves that can
be set up is controlled by the two fixed points. It is only possible to set up a wave with length equal to half this distance or some multiple
of this length
Use the sliders below to investigate these properties. Click with your mouse to freeze the wave.
An applet is also available to demonstrate the properties of waves.
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