Standing Waves: Amplitude, Nodes, and Energy

In summary, standing waves are not produced when two waves with different amplitudes are propagated in opposite directions through a medium. This is because standing waves require equal amplitudes in order to form. Additionally, energy is not transported in this scenario.
  • #1
Abhishekdas
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Standing waves...

Homework Statement


If two waves differ only in amplitude and are propagated in opposite directions through a medium, will they produce standing waves. Is energy transported?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


About the first part i think they do produce standing waves in which there are no nodes but there are maximum and minimum values of amplitude...I don't know if this is exactly a standing wave and is enrgy transported?
 
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  • #2


Any help here?
 
  • #3


No, they will not produce standing waves if the amplitudes are different. Take a look at this http://faculty.uml.edu/cbaird/95.658(2011)/Standing_Wave.zip" I wrote.
 
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Related to Standing Waves: Amplitude, Nodes, and Energy

1. What is a standing wave?

A standing wave is a type of wave that occurs when two waves of equal frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and interfere with each other. This results in a pattern of nodes (points of no displacement) and antinodes (points of maximum displacement) that appear to be standing still.

2. How does the amplitude of a standing wave change?

The amplitude of a standing wave remains constant at all points along the wave. However, the individual particles that make up the wave experience a varying amount of displacement, with the maximum displacement occurring at the antinodes and no displacement occurring at the nodes.

3. What are nodes and antinodes in a standing wave?

Nodes are points along a standing wave where there is no displacement of the wave. Antinodes, on the other hand, are points of maximum displacement. These points alternate along the wave and create the characteristic pattern of a standing wave.

4. How is energy distributed in a standing wave?

In a standing wave, the majority of the energy is concentrated at the antinodes, where the amplitude is at its maximum. The nodes, where there is no displacement, have very little energy. This distribution of energy is important in understanding the behavior and properties of standing waves.

5. What are some real-world applications of standing waves?

Standing waves have many practical applications, such as in musical instruments like stringed instruments and wind instruments. They are also used in ultrasound technology for medical imaging and in communication systems for improving signal strength. Standing waves are also studied in various fields of science, such as acoustics, optics, and quantum mechanics.

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