The concept and application of stationary waves resonance

Stationary Wave

A wave characterized by points (nodes) experiencing zero displacement due to two waves being completely out of phase.

Node

Points in a stationary wave that experience zero amplitude and displacement.

Antinode

Points of maximum amplitude in a wave where the two waves are in phase.

Superposition

The overlapping of two waves to create a stationary wave with equal frequency and amplitude traveling in opposite directions.

Resonance

A phenomenon where an object vibrates at its natural frequency, increasing amplitude and displacement.

Natural Frequency

The frequency at which an object vibrates most efficiently, leading to resonance.

Destructive Resonance

When resonance causes large displacements resulting in damage, such as a bridge collapse due to soldiers marching in step.

Beneficial Resonance

Resonance that leads to advantageous effects, such as heating food in a microwave oven by resonating with water molecules.