12.4 Stationary Waves

Question 1

What is the phase difference between 2 points on a wave

Answer 1

The fraction of a cycle by which one point is behind the other and it is expressed in degrees or radians

Question 2

What does it mean to say that 2 waves are coherent

Answer 2

They have a constant phase difference

Question 3

Define superpose

Answer 3

When 2 waves overlap producing a single wave

Question 4

Define maximum

Answer 4

The point of greatest amplitude in an interference pattern as a result of constructive interference

Question 5

Define minimum

Answer 5

The point of least amplitude n an interference pattern as a result of destructive interference

Question 6

What is a node

Answer 6

For a stationary wave, a point where the amplitude is always zero

Question 7

What is the fundamental mode of vibration

Answer 7

A vibration at the fundamental frequency ( a vibration at the lowest frequency at which an objet can vibrate )

Question 8

What are minima

Answer 8

The point of least amplitude in an interference pattern as a result of destructive interference