Meaning of Phase in stationary waves

In summary, the statement "In a standing wave, all the particles are in the same phase" means that every point in a loop of the standing wave is in phase with every other point in that loop and in antiphase with points in adjacent loops. This is because the phase of the time-dependent factor in the standing wave is the same for all particles, while the phase of the position-dependent factor varies. This is different from progressive waves, where the phase can have two meanings depending on whether it is comparing two distinct waves or two points in the same wave. For a standing wave, all points between two successive nodes are in phase, meaning they reach their positive maximum at the same time.
  • #1
zorro
1,384
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What is the exact meaning of the statement " In a standing wave, all the particles are in the same phase "?

Phase, ϕ = 2(pi)x/λ
If we consider the node as origin, different particles have different x values.
Then how come the phase is same for all?
 
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  • #2
They likely mean the time-dependent factor, since the displacement in the standing wave is given by

[tex]sin(\omega t)sin(kx)[/tex]

The phase of the second factor depends on position, but the phase of the first factor does not.
 
  • #3
Abdul Quadeer said:
What is the exact meaning of the statement " In a standing wave, all the particles are in the same phase "?

Phase, ϕ = 2(pi)x/λ
If we consider the node as origin, different particles have different x values.
Then how come the phase is same for all?

Every point in a loop(between adjacent nodes) is in phase with every other point in that loop and in antiphase with points in adjacent loops.
 
  • #4
K^2 said:
They likely mean the time-dependent factor, since the displacement in the standing wave is given by

[tex]sin(\omega t)sin(kx)[/tex]

The phase of the second factor depends on position, but the phase of the first factor does not.

What is the difference between the two phases?

Every point in a loop(between adjacent nodes) is in phase with every other point in that loop and in antiphase with points in adjacent loops.

Please explain what's wrong in the formula I gave?
 
  • #5
Abdul Quadeer said:
What is the difference between the two phases?



Please explain what's wrong in the formula I gave?

Your formula gives the phase for a progressive wave
 
  • #6
Dadface is quite correct.

For progressive waves the term phase has two meanings.

1) You can compare the phase difference of two distinct waves as the difference in time between when each wave reaches a positive going maximum.

2) You can compare the phase difference between two points in the same wave. This is the difference in time between when each point reaches its positive going maximum.

For a standing wave all points between two successive nodes reach their positive maximum at the same time so the phase difference is zero, ie they are in phase.
 
  • #7
Thanks!
 

Related to Meaning of Phase in stationary waves

1. What is a stationary wave?

A stationary wave, also known as a standing wave, is a type of wave that occurs when two waves with the same amplitude and frequency travel in opposite directions and interfere with each other. This results in points along the wave that appear to be standing still, while other points continue to oscillate.

2. What is the phase of a stationary wave?

The phase of a stationary wave refers to the position of a point on the wave in relation to its equilibrium position. It is typically measured in degrees or radians and is used to describe how much the wave has shifted from its starting point.

3. How is the phase of a stationary wave related to its amplitude?

The phase of a stationary wave is not directly related to its amplitude. However, the amplitude of a stationary wave can change depending on the phase difference between the two interfering waves. When the phase difference is 0 or a multiple of 2π, the amplitude is at its maximum. When the phase difference is a multiple of π, the amplitude is at its minimum.

4. What is the significance of phase in stationary waves?

The phase of a stationary wave is important because it determines the interference pattern and the resulting amplitude of the wave. It also helps to describe the motion of individual particles within the wave and how they contribute to the overall wave pattern.

5. How is the phase of a stationary wave measured?

The phase of a stationary wave can be measured using a phase angle meter or by analyzing the displacement of particles in the wave. It can also be calculated using the wave equation and the known frequency and wavelength of the wave.

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