Nodes, Antinodes & Wavelength
Nodes, Antinodes & Wavelength
- A stationary wave is read from the positions that never move and the positions that move the most.
- Their spacing gives the wavelength without watching a crest travel.
Name the fixed positions
Definition
1 markWhat is meant by a node?
Model answer: A point on a stationary wave where the amplitude is zero.
Definition
1 markWhat is meant by an antinode?
Model answer: A point on a stationary wave where the amplitude is maximum.
- Adjacent nodes, or adjacent antinodes, are separated by .
- A node and its nearest antinode are separated by .
- If adjacent nodes are a distance apart, .
Phase changes at a node
- Every point between the same two nodes oscillates in phase, though the amplitudes are different.
- Points in neighbouring loops oscillate in antiphase: their phase difference is 180°.
- Every point still has the same frequency and period. Position only changes amplitude and phase group.
Your turn9702/22/F/M/25 Q4(b)
Microwaves have frequency . Calculate the distance from a node to the adjacent antinode. [3] (9702/22/F/M/25 Q4(b))
Show worked answer
- .
- Node to adjacent antinode is .
Answer