STATIONARY WAVES (Standing Waves)

Stationary waves are obtained when two waves of equal amplitude and frequency moving in
opposite directions in a medium superpose. The stationary wave formed is produced because there is
periodic construction and destruction interference.

Diagram

When the incident and the reflected wave superpose, a stationary wave is formed. There are points
along the wave profile with permanent zero displacements called NODES. The amplitude depends on
position. It ranges from 0 at the Nodes to the maximum displacement at the ANTINODES. The wave
particles between adjacent Nodes are always in phase.
The distance between successive Nodes is equal to half the wave length of the stationary wave.
Note that unlike progressive waves, there is no net transfer of energy in the medium although some
energy is associated with stationary waves.
Modes of Vibrations in stretched strings Fixed at both ends
When a given length of a string fixed at both ends, stationary waves are produced only at some
specific frequencies. This implies that for a given tension, the string must be made to vibrate with
certain vibrational frequencies for stationary waves to be produced. These frequencies are called
natural frequency or normal modes of vibrations. When a string fixed at both ends is plucked at the
middle, it vibrates with a single loop.

Diagram

This is the simplest mode of vibration. Let, l, be the length of the string. Then

The fundamental frequency,

, is given by

For this length of string and tension,

to be formed.

Diagram

, is the lowest possible frequency necessary for a stationary wave

If the string is plucked at a quarter of its length from one end, it oscillates with two loops with a node at
the center.

is called the first overtone over the second harmonic. The third harmonic,
is given by

It is possible for a string to vibrate with all its harmonics at the same time but one will be dominant. If
the string is driven by a variable frequency from an external source
will be the resonance
frequency.
Example
A string of length l and density 6000 kg/m3 is subjected to a tension of 120 N. The string is
plucked such that it vibrates with fundamental frequency of 200 Hz. Find l given that the diameter of the
string is 6 mm.
Modes of vibrations and stationary waves in air column
Longitudinal stationary waves are often produced in air column by blowing air into them or
holding a vibrating tuning fork over the open tube.
Stationary waves are produced when sound waves traveling in tube superpose with the
reflected wave from the opposite end. Although the oscillation of air molecules is parallel to the
direction of propagation of the wave. The stationary wave are often represented in diagrams as
transverse waves for simplicity.

Diagram

In this case, nodes are points when air molecules have zero displacements and antinodes corresponds to
points where they have the largest displacement.
Air column in tubes closed at one end have specific natural frequencies. For the simple mode
there is a node at the close end and an antinode at the open end.

The next harmonic is obtained when

is the frequency of the third harmonic.

The next harmonic is
A conclusion can be drawn that only an odd number of overtones are possible.
Generally,

Experiment to determine the speed of sound in air using the resonance tube method

Diagram

Procedure
-

The resonance tube is filled with water

The vibrating tuning fork of known frequency is held closed to the mouth of the tube while the
water reservoir is being lowered.
As the water reservoir is lowered, the air column increases until at one point where a loud
sound is heard.
This corresponds to the first position of resonance.
The length of the vibrating air column at this point is given by

Where e is the end correction. This corresponds to the fundamental frequency

Diagram
-

The water reservoir is further lowered until another loud sound is heard. This corresponds to
the second position of resonance and the length of the vibrating air column is given by

Diagram

This corresponds to the 1st Overtones.

Pipes or tubes open at both ends

Generally,

Where n is an interger and n E ] 0,8[

Then fn = ??????

Ultrasonics