What are standing waves?

Standing waves are a specific type of wave pattern that is created when two waves of the same frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and interfere with each other. This interference results in a wave pattern that appears to be stationary, with certain points known as nodes where there is no movement, and other points called antinodes where the movement is most pronounced.

In essence, standing waves carry energy but do not move through space as traveling waves do. This phenomenon is commonly observed in musical instruments, like strings on a guitar or air columns in wind instruments, where the waves reflect back and forth, creating fixed points of minimal and maximal displacement.

Understanding standing waves is essential in various applications, such as in acoustics and optics, where the principles of interference and resonance are pivotal.