Standing waves -important ideas and definitions

Some definitions and fundamental frequencies for each type of wave

Fundamental frequency

The lowest frequency produced in a standing wave

Overtone

A frequency higher than the fundamental

Harmonics

A multiple of the fundamental frequency

Standing waves

Interference pattern caused by superposition of a wave with another one but travelling opposite direction but same frequency and amplitude (usually a wave and its own reflection)

Beats

Beats is a pattern caused by two superimposing waves of slightly different frequencies

Harmonic formula

fn=n x f1

Beat frequency formula

fb=|f1-f2|

fundamental for strings (fixed at both ends)

L=lamda/2

fundamental for closed pipe (opening at one end)

L=lambda/4

fundamental for open pipe (open at both ends)

L=lambda/2

Resonance

Occurs when a system is driven at its natural frequency causing large amplitude oscillations