Stationary waves

A stationary wave is the superposition of two progressive waves with the same wavelength, moving in opposite directions.

These waves do not transmit energy, unlike progressive waves.

• Nodes are where the amplitude of the wave is zero.
• Antinodes are points of maximum amplitude.
• At resonant frequencies (where the wave is stationary), an exact number of half wavelengths fit onto the string.

The fundamental node of vibration (the first harmonic) is half a wavelength long, and is vibrating with the lowest possible…