CHARACTERISTICS OF STATIONARY WAVES

Explanation

Characteristics of a stationary wave :
(1) In a region where a stationary wave is formed, the particles of the medium ( except at the nodes) perform SHM of the same period, but the amplitudes of the vibrations vary periodically in space from particle to particle.
(2) The overall appearance of a standing is of alternate intensity maximum ( displacement antinode) and minimum ( displacement node ).
(3) The distance between adjacent nodes ( or antinodes) is ` lambda`/2.
(4) The distance between successive node and antinode is `lambda`/4.
(5) There is no progressive change of phase from particle to particle.
All the particles in one loop , between two adjacent nodes, vibrate in the same phase, while the particles in adjacent loops are in opposite phase .
(6) A stationary wave does not propagate in any direction and honce does not transport energy through the medium.