Study Guide for Test on Interference and Standing Waves

Standing Wave

a wave that remains in a constant position.

Interference

Occurs when two or more waves meet while traveling in the same medium.

Harmonic frequency

The frequency of a wave that is an integer multiple of the fundamental=

node

The point along a standing wave where the wave has no amplitude

constructive interference

when the resultant displacement amplitude of two interfering waves is greater than the amplitude of either individual wave

fundamental frequency

the frequency of a wave that has the lowest frequency in a resonator

resonance

the tendency of a system to oscillate at a larger amplitudes at certain frequencies

superposition principle

when two or more waves overlap in space, the resulting displacement at a point is the sum of the individual displacements caused by each wave.

destructive interference

when the resultant displacement amplitude of two interfering waves is less than the amplitude of either individual wave

anti-node

the point along a standing wave where the amplitude is maximum